I lived in these apartments from 02/02-02/04 and was on the Section 8 program. There are a lot of people who live there on that program, but mine was a little different. I paid over half the rent out of my pocket since I make so much and paid extra for one of their junky garages. Everything was fine up until I decided to move this past February. I turned in my last rent check in an envelope with a note stating that I did not wish to renew my lease. Here is a copy of a letter I sent to the Property Management Company:





I am sending you this letter in regard to the dissatisfaction and unrelenting rudeness I experienced February 26, 2004 in your Woodcreek Apartment Office located at 14610/14611 Admiralty Way Lynnwood, WA 98037.





I have been a resident of Woodcreek Apartments for the past two years. I am a Section 8 resident and have consistently paid upwards of $486 (my portion) in rent while residing in my unit. I have had only one check returned (and promptly made payment and costly fee consequences) and have never had a complaint or reason to complain while a resident in this complex.





Now that my lease has come to an end, I am experiencing extreme stress and uncooperative attitudes from your management staff.





On Thursday, February 26, 2004, I had a meeting with my Section 8 Rental Officer to attend a briefing so that I may move to a new apartment community. He informed me that no less than 15 minutes earlier (it was 9:30) he was contacted by the manager of Woodcreek and she stated that she was unable to release me from my lease for noncompliance of Lease Termination or Renewal and/or Notice to Vacate (reference 'Apartment Rental Agreement" dated 3/1/02 and 3/1/03) based on the stipulation that I did not give proper notice of intention to vacate at least 20 days prior to my move out date.









I went in to speak with my apartment manager, and she stated that since my original notification (a note I left on the envelope of my February rent) only stated that I did not wish to renew my lease and did NOT say that I was vacating. According to my lease agreement (effective 2/2003-2/2004-enclosed) they assumed that I was going to a month-to-month lease. I signed, under coercion, another "Notice of Intent to Vacate" dated for the end of March and was told that I would be responsible for March rent.





I have researched Washington State Law and have spoken to experienced professionals regarding my rights and have learned that I am not necessarily responsible for Marchs rent considering I gave notification, have already vacated the premises and did not sign anything saying I would like to go month-to-month. I thought my written notification stating I did not wish to renew my lease was adequate enough and you would understand that me giving notice (regardless of form) 24 days prior to the end of my lease would be sufficient in letting you know I did not wish to go month-to-month. There was a letter left on my door (not mailed) stating the receipt my notice but it said that I needed to come into the office to fill out your "form". Why you didnt acknowledge that that WAS my notification is beyond me. Unfortunately, I was out of town and when I returned to that letter, I immediately called and the girl in the office seemed put out by having to fax me the form so that I could return said form as soon as possible. Had the letter been mailed, perhaps someone fetching my mail could have notified me of your extreme policies.





I feel that I am being taken advantage of, maybe its simply because I am a Section 8 resident, maybe its because you know that Section 8 is guaranteed income. Either way, I do not feel that this situation is being regarded the way it should and am extremely frustrated with Woodcreek Apartments.


Presently, you could enter my apartment and confirm that I have vacated. I do not feel it is reasonable for me to pay for an apartment that I gave proper notice for and I am not occupying.


I am returning my keys (enclosed) along with a copy of my leases and 'Notice of Intention to Vacate' which I have filled out and signed for both February and March.


You'll find highlighted references to RCW laws and how your lease proves that I did, in fact comply with your policy. Also, you'll find copies of the actual laws and the points that are relevant highlighted. Nowhere in the lease does it state that the writing must be on a specific form or that I must say that I plan to move or vacate the premises. I do not have a copy of the note I left, but, I did, in fact, give written notice on the 5th along with my February payment (which has been deposited by the management securing that you received my notification and payment). (see enclosed)


I have also reviewed my lease and again, it does not state that I must fill out a specific form that the manager refers to.


I fulfilled my lease agreement and have no written agreement or contract for the month of March, therefore, I am not legally responsible for a March payment.


Since I have been vacated for over a week now, the only thing I need to do is return the keys. I have kept them this far based solely on the fact that I cannot access my mail without a key. Considering I have secured another place of residence, I have sent in my "Change of Address" forms and my mail will be forwarded ASAP. I will be keeping my mail key until 2/28/04 to receive the last of my mail.





I would also like to add the fact that in February of 2003, I was not notified of needing to renew my lease and when I contacted the apartment manager, my calls were not returned. June of 2003 I received a letter on my door stating that I needed to come into the office to sign my lease. Since they "forgot" to do it in February, they backdated ALL documents and asked that I did not release that information. When I "reminded" the office of that fact on Thursday, they, of course, disregarded that as being true and OF COURSE, did not feel that backdating the "Notice of Intent to Vacate" was "honorable".





My only request is that you review my claim and if the only good that comes out of this is that people are aware of the way they will be treated when trying to terminate a lease with any Etico Property, so be it.





I have sent a copy of this letter and enclosed documents to the Everett Housing Authority and Housing Authority of Snohomish County in hopes that they will also inform other tenants in your communities of the disservice I have received as a result of being a good tenant.








Since having sent this letter, I received a letter from the Property Management crediting me for March rent but have since been TERMINATED from my HOUSING. Thanks, but no thanks, Id rather be homeless than go through that again.





Consider yourself warned. Thanks for listening.

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