Bernardus A. P. Dobbe and Klazina W. Dobbe - Page 14




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          agree with respondent that the parol evidence rule prevents                 
          petitioners from using the testimony to expand the scope of the             
          written leases.  We nevertheless conclude that the disputed                 
          testimony is admissible on the question of the existence of a               
          separate oral lease, and we overrule respondent’s objection.                
               B.  The Alleged Oral Lease                                             
               To overcome the fact that the written leases did not                   
          encompass the Dobbe residence, petitioners contended at trial               
          that there was also an oral lease by which Mr. and Mrs. Dobbe               
          leased their residence to Holland America during 1993 and prior             
          years.  The only proof in support of petitioners’ contention,               
          however, was the testimony of Mr. and Mrs. Dobbe and their                  
          accountant that Mr. and Mrs. Dobbe intended to lease the                    
          residence to Holland America.  Petitioners conceded at trial that           
          no additional rent was paid by Holland America for the residence            
          and offered no testimony whatsoever regarding the other terms and           
          conditions normally included in a valid and enforceable lease.              
               Under Washington State law, a valid lease must identify the            
          property leased, the parties to the lease, and the terms and                
          conditions of the lease, including the rent or other                        
          consideration paid or to be paid for the leasehold interest.  See           
          Emrich v. Connell, 716 P.2d 863, 867 (Wash. 1986).  Moreover,               
          Washington State’s statute of frauds requires that an agreement             
          to lease for more than 1 year be in writing.  See Family Med.               






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