Landlord demanding double rent after my cashier’s check was lost from HIS mailbox — Washington State
I’ve rented from the same landlord for 3+ years, always on time. I’m currently not working due to a major surgery and awaiting a disability decision. My husband works 70+ hours a week just to get us by.
On May 8th, I withdrew $2,200 from US Bank for a cashier’s check made out to my landlord. We do cashiers checks because he sometimes takes weeks to cash our personal checks and it has burned us more than once. I took it to the UPS Store where his mailbox is located (where he insists the checks be delivered to) and asked the employee to hand deliver it to his box. He says he never got it.
Today I gathered the following proof:
•Cashier’s check number from US Bank (confirmed not yet cashed)
•Screenshots of UPS camera footage showing the envelope being handed to the employee and placed in his box
•A letter from US Bank documenting the lost check claim
•My bank withdrawal record showing $2,200 withdrawn that day
US Bank says the replacement process takes 90 days (until August 8th). I have every intention of making this right once the 90 days is up and the replacement check comes through. Until then, we cannot pay $2,200 twice and stay afloat.
I sent my landlord all of this proof. His response: he doesn’t care, May rent still needs to be paid. His “best offer” is for me to pay an extra $1,100 in June AND $1,100 in July on top of normal rent, essentially paying $2,200 twice and hoping the bank’s replacement comes through in August.
We’re month-to-month with no current written lease, and he’s now threatening eviction.
Questions:
1. Can he legally evict over a documented lost cashier’s check?
2. Am I obligated to pay twice before the bank’s 90-day process completes? If so, what are my options for recourse help?
3. Should I contact the Tenants Union of Washington now or wait to see if he serves a 14-day notice?
Any advice appreciated.