A recent Washington Court of Appeals decision, State v. Cuzzetto , No. 59682-2-II (Wash. Ct. App. Div. II, Oct. 7, 2025), shows how a housing shortcut can turn into a felony case. What began as a lease application ended in criminal court.

The Situation
Person A wanted to rent a house but had prior evictions that made approval unlikely. The property manager required verified identification, steady income, and a clean rental record. To get around those barriers, Person A submitted an application using Person B’s name and personal information. The paperwork included false pay stubs and a driver’s license showing Person B’s details but Person A’s photograph.

The application was approved. Person A, Person B, and several others moved in, paid part of the rent, and stayed for a short time before the property manager uncovered the deception. Law enforcement became involved, and the case moved quickly from a landlord-tenant issue to a criminal file.

The Charges
Prosecutors charged Person A with first-degree identity theft, forgery, and theft by deception. Person B testified that they had not given permission to use their information but admitted they lived in the home and paid rent. The trial court convicted on all counts.

On appeal, the court reversed the forgery and theft convictions but upheld the identity theft charge. The ruling explained that Washington’s identity theft statute (RCW 9.35.020) requires only proof that a person used another’s identifying information with intent to commit any unlawful act. Permission or shared benefit does not excuse the offense.

The Lesson
Even when deception seems harmless or practical, it can carry criminal consequences. Using false or borrowed information to secure housing, employment, or credit can qualify as identity theft—a Class B felony in Washington.

Practical Takeaway
If you face barriers to housing or financial approval:

• Never falsify or “borrow” identifying information.

• Avoid signing or sending any document that misrepresents your identity or income.

• Consult a lawyer before submitting applications involving shared or third-party data.

• Understand that “helping a friend” by using their credentials can expose everyone involved.

State v. Cuzzetto serves as a reminder that honesty in applications is not only ethical but legally essential. A quick fix on paper can become a lasting problem in court.