Washington Renter Rights Overview

The situation in the Washington real estate market is constantly moving, and you always have to act fast. When you find yourself in a decent place, you must have all the documents and papers prepared to land the deal. The reason is simple; there are always more than 20 potential tenants standing in line for the same apartment.

We have thousands of apartments for rent in Washington. When you finally rent one, you have to deal with the tenant-landlord relationship and get along with your homeowner. Knowing your fundamental rights is the best thing you can do to ensure the consistency of your lease agreement and enjoy your life in the new rental. Let’s take a look at the vital points of the Washington Laws and highlight the most important local rental market rules.

Rental Application

Application fee: Screening fees applied
Rental agreement required: Written lease is required if the security deposit is collected

When you apply for a place in Washington, your landlord is allowed to collect the application fees. These usually include the screening fees and other charges for your credit and background check. Usually, this is around $35-$75. However, if you know for sure that your landlord charged you more than the screening process actually costs, you can file a claim and get your money back.

According to local laws, you’re obligated to sign the written lease if your landlord collects the security deposit or the deposit of other kinds.

Security Deposit

Pet deposit maximum: Not indicated
Security deposit maximum: Not indicated
Return deposit deadline: 21 days
Security deposit interest: Optional
An itemized list of charges & damages: Yes
Landlord move-out inspection: Not required
Legal reasons to keep security deposit: Indicated

The statute doesn’t regulate the maximum amount of the pet and security deposits, but it clearly states the reasons for keeping the deposit.

• Unpaid rent
• Damage (more than regular wear and tear)
• Breaches of the lease agreement

Once you’ve paid your security deposit, your landlord is obligated to let you know the details of where he stores it. There is an option for him to store your deposit in the interest-bearing bank account. Unlike the other states, Washington laws clearly state that the interest goes to your landlord, not to you. The only reason for you to get the interest amount will be your lease agreement stating that you’re entitled to it.

Security and Comfort

Smoke alarms: Required
Rekey requirements: Not required
Maximum deductible cost of repairs: Up to two months’ rent amount
Required notice before entry: 2 days’ notice
Entry while a tenant is absent: Emergency or abandonment

According to the State Building Code, your apartment should have smoke detectors installed in each sleeping room. The basement, hallways, and each floor should include those as well.

Also, any additional floor of your home should include smoke detectors.

Local laws do not obligate landlords to change the locks. Your landlord is allowed to enter your place with a 2 days notice or skip the notice in case of emergency.

In case your landlord doesn’t want to repair something, you’re allowed to fix it at your own cost and deduct this amount from the monthly rent. The maximum amount is equal to the two months’ rent.

Rental Payments

Maximum rent: Not indicated
Late fees: Not indicated
Rent increase: 30 days’ notice (written)
Right to withhold rent for failure to provide essential services (Water, Heat, etc.): Yes.
Tenant’s right to repair and deduct rent: Yes

You’re also allowed to withhold the rent payment if your landlord fails to provide essential services like water, heat, etc. However, in this case, you must notify the authorities, and you can only store the withheld rent in the escrow bank account.

There are no rent regulation laws in Washington, so landlords are allowed to list their properties with any price tags. There is no such thing as the maximum rent amount in the local statute. Landlords are allowed to increase rent, but they must send you a written 30 days notice so that you could act accordingly.

Lease Terminations

Notice to terminate lease: 20 days’ notice
Eviction notice for not paying rent: 3 days’ notice
Eviction notice for lease violation: 10 days’ notice

In case you’re a month-to-month tenant, your landlord should only give you a 20 days notice to move out. This is the only thing he’ll need to terminate your lease.

Landlord can evict you if you stop paying rent, but he will have to give you a three days notice, so you could pay the rent and stay in the apartment.

In case you violate any section of the lease agreement, your landlord will be able to give you a ten days notice before the eviction.

Roommates Rights

Subletting: Not indicated
Responsibility to cover roommate’s part of rent: Yes

Washington laws do not state whether you can or cannot sublet your apartment. Usually, lease agreements include a section regarding subletting. In any case, we strongly recommend you get the landlord’s approval before you sublet.

When your roommate fails to pay his portion of the rent, you’re obligated to cover his portion. Otherwise, your landlord will be able to evict all of you.

You can also recover the rent portion from your roommate through the small claims court.

Landlord and Tenant Law
Official Washington Statutes
Washington Tenant Handbook

Disclaimer: Although we have relied on Official State Statutes and other credible sources to find and analyze information for this post, you’re advised to use it as a starting point only, and do not consider this article a substitute for legal advice. Some situations are unique, and it is always better to consult with a qualified lawyer or appropriate government agencies.

About The Author

Bellevue, WASeattle, WA