terminated her tenancy effective December 22, 2021. As part of terminating her tenancy,
Ms. Heston completed a “CHECK-OUT” process with Jay Showalter, an employee of
Mr. Christensen. CP at 95 (underscore omitted). On the “CHECK-OUT” form, Ms.
2
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No. 39271-6-III
Heston v. Christensen
Heston requested a refund of her $600 security deposit, less a $45 special handling fee,
within 24 hours. Id.
Mr. Christensen mailed Ms. Heston a final bill, postmarked on January 15, 2022,
that stated her security deposit was being withheld. During his deposition, taken on
April 13, 2022, Mr. Christensen testified that he signed the final bill on January 14, 2022.
Mr. Christensen further testified that he could not recall experiencing any difficulties
between December 22, 2021, when Ms. Heston moved out, through the time that he
signed the final bill.
In a subsequent affidavit, dated August 30, 2022, Mr. Christensen declared that
between the time Ms. Heston moved out through when he signed the final bill, his health
was very poor, he was not ambulatory, and he was unable to leave his residence without
the assistance of a health care provider. In his affidavit, Mr. Christensen claimed he
mailed the final bill within the statutorily mandated 21 days.
The final bill totaled $4,879.75 and contained numerous charges, including
$131.15 in “[t]railing interest” from past due rent for the months of July through
December. CP at 100. In his deposition, Mr. Christensen testified each interest charge
was based on the previous month’s rent being unpaid. Mr. Christensen also included a
statutory interest charge of $248.60.
3
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