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How to Handle Lease Breaks Without Losing Revenue (Kenmore Landlord Guide)

 

What Is a Lease Break?

A lease break happens when a tenant ends their rental agreement early. In most cases, Washington State law holds the tenant responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented — unless a protected reason applies, such as domestic violence or military service (RCW 59.18.575).

Learn more about how we help enforce lease terms fairly in our Owner Handbook.

Key Takeaway

A broken lease doesn’t mean broken income. With expert handling, you can recover fast and keep your property earning — especially with the right property management team by your side.

Lease breaks can catch even experienced landlords off guard — but they don’t have to derail your rental income. For Kenmore property owners, a well-structured lease, legal compliance, and a fast re-listing process are key to minimizing financial disruption.

Legal Requirements for Kenmore Landlords

Under Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, landlords must:

  • Make reasonable efforts to re-rent the property
  • Avoid charging double rent
  • Return the security deposit within 21 days, minus documented deductions

For protected scenarios (e.g., military deployment), penalties or fees cannot be applied. Legal experts like the Washington State Bar Association recommend keeping thorough documentation in case of disputes (wsba.org).

Review how we maintain compliance across cities in our Seattle Landlord-Tenant Law Guide.

Can You Charge a Lease Break Fee?

Yes — if it’s clearly outlined in your lease. Many Kenmore landlords use a flat lease break fee (typically one month’s rent) to recover lost income, re-listing costs, and admin time.

At GPS Renting, we ensure leases include enforceable lease break clauses and explain them to tenants upfront, reducing future disputes.

Related: What Is the Benefit of Hiring a Property Manager?

What About the Security Deposit?

Washington law allows landlords to deduct from the security deposit for:

  • Remaining rent (until a new lease starts)
  • Damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • Lease break penalties (if applicable)

However, landlords must provide an itemized statement and cannot use the deposit punitively. According to Nolo.com, failure to comply can result in forfeiting the right to deductions or owing double damages (Nolo Guide).

For detailed processes, see our Resident Care Package and Owner Benefit Package.

GPS Renting’s Lease Break Recovery System

When a lease breaks, we act fast to protect your income:

  • Re-list the property instantly on major platforms and ShowMojo
  • Enable self-tours to boost showing availability (Self-Tour Overview)
  • Provide regular updates and performance metrics through your Owner Portal
  • Screen new applicants rigorously to prevent repeat issues

See how we reduce downtime in our Vacancy Reduction Strategy.

Why This Matters for Kenmore Landlords

Kenmore’s rental demand is growing, but tenant turnover is still a risk. Whether you’re managing a single-family home or multiple units, avoiding revenue loss during lease breaks requires a proactive approach.

Our team at GPS Renting is experienced in minimizing downtime and keeping your property earning — even in mid-lease transitions.

Learn more about our Kenmore Property Management services.

Related Reads

Learn more about our Kenmore Property Management services.

Get Help Managing Lease Breaks

Need help navigating a lease break or protecting your property against rental income gaps? Let’s make sure your lease terms, processes, and pricing are optimized.

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