Residential Rentals

Change of Residence, Bellingham, WA 98226 MAP

LEASE TAKEOVER / CHANGE OF RESIDENT APPLICATION

We cannot allow anyone to break a lease without performing a lease assignment. This is one of our strictest policies because Windermere Management by Ebright Wight LLC is hired by property owners to manage their investment properties. If we allowed people to break leases, the property owners are not being treated fairly and Windermere Management is not doing the job for which it was hired. Leases and lease assignments are legal documents, which should be read thoroughly before signing.

A lease assignment is when two consenting parties, with management approval, agree that one party can take over a lease and assume ALL responsibilities including:

• Outstanding rent or fees not paid by the exiting tenant.
• Outstanding utility bills not paid by the exiting tenant.
• Damage to the unit or house created by the exiting tenant.

Security Deposit: The security deposit paid to Windermere Management by the exiting tenant when he/she rented the dwelling will be kept in a trust account. No funds will be given to the exiting tenant. When the lease expires and keys are turned in, the new tenant on the existing lease will receive whatever funds remain after carpet cleaning (minimum $80); cleaning and/or damage charges are accrued.

It is common for the incoming tenant to give some funds in the form of security deposit reimbursement to the exiting tenant at the time of signing the lease assignment. This is entirely between exiting and incoming tenants; Windermere Management will not take part in these negotiations.

Damages: It is important for the incoming tenant to ask the exiting tenant for a copy of the “Condition Checklist.” This is a form received at move in by tenants to document pre-existing damage to the apartment or house. This form is then used at move out to determine if any damage is the tenant’s responsibility.

The incoming tenant will assume all damages, even if caused by the exiting tenant. By reviewing the condition checklist against the unit or house prior to signing the assignment, the incoming tenant should determine what damages the current tenant would be responsible for at move out.

Lease and Other Documents: If taking over a lease, please ask the exiting tenant for copies of all documents. If these documents are not attainable, please ask the Windermere Management staff. Before committing to a lease assignment, it is important that you read all the legal documents, and discuss any questions with the office staff.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF THIS IS THE PROPERTY TO APPLY FOR PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE! 360-733-7944.

Rental Terms

  • Application Fee: $45
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Windermere Property Management
(360) 733-7944