[WSBARP] Short Term Rental Contract

[Gwendolyn Cornwell]

Brain trust question,

Client signs a contract with a short term rental property management company.  Client sends email that he has concerns about their service and he needs to talk to them before renewing.  Client has a stroke and misses the notice window to avoid the automatic renewal of the contract.  Client notifies property management company later that he does not want to renew and to please cancel as he was dealing with a major medical condition during the notice window.  Company refuses and demands that he pay $6k and sign an agreement not to use the property as short term rental for 5 years or pay $10k to get out of it.  Management company has not made $10k in the last year on this property.  Management company contract does not allow client to report information about company to anyone, including government agencies.  I realize that is likely unenforceable.

Are there specifics we need to watch for in the settlement language?  Are there things my client should not report?  He wants to notify government agencies, but also doesn't want to face a lawsuit during his medical recovery, even if he is likely to prevail.

Are there hidden complexities that would make it wise to find an attorney specializing in such contracts?  If so, I would appreciate recommendations.

Thank you!

Gwendolyn Cornwell
Attorney
GOURLEY LAW GROUP
THE EXCHANGE CONNECTION
SNOHOMISH ESCROW
P.O. Box 1091
Snohomish, WA 98291
PH:  (360) 568-5065 (800) 291-8401
Fax: (360) 568-8092

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