Question 1

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?

Accepted Answer

No maximum amount. A deposit requires a written lease and a move-in condition checklist; on written request, tenants may pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 monthly payments for terms of 3+ months). Source: RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 2

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates or invoices) plus any refund owed. Source: RCW 59.18.280 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.280), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 3

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Washington?

Accepted Answer

At least two days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window, and entry only at reasonable times. One day's notice is enough to show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. No notice is needed in an emergency or if the unit is abandoned. Source: RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.150), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 4

How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Washington?

Accepted Answer

At least 90 days' prior written notice of a rent increase (30 days for certain income-based subsidized tenancies), and the increase can't take effect before the end of the rental agreement term. Source: RCW 59.18.140 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.140), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 5

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Washington, and how much?

Accepted Answer

No late fee for rent paid within 5 days of its due date. After that, late fees may run from the first day after the due date. Source: RCW 59.18.170(2) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.170), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 6

What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Washington?

Accepted Answer

14-day notice to pay rent or vacate, in the statutory form. Source: RCW 59.18.057 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.057), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 7

Can cities in Washington pass rent control?

Accepted Answer

There is a statewide cap: no rent increase during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and no more than 7% plus CPI, or 10% (whichever is less), in any 12-month period (exemptions under RCW 59.18.710; Commerce publishes the yearly maximum). Cities and towns may not adopt their own rent control (RCW 35.21.830). Source: RCW 59.18.700; RCW 35.21.830 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.700), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 8

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A tenant may end a month-to-month or periodic tenancy with at least 20 days' written notice before the end of a rental period. Servicemembers with PCS or deployment orders may give less. A landlord may end a periodic tenancy only for a cause listed in § 59.18.650. Narrow no-cause exception: an initial 6–12 month lease may be ended at its end with 60 days' notice. Source: RCW 59.18.200(1) (version effective until Jan. 1, 2028), 59.18.650(1) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.12.030), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 9

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Deposits must be kept in a trust account at a Washington financial institution or licensed escrow agent. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the landlord keeps any interest earned. The landlord must give a receipt and the depository's name and address. Source: RCW 59.18.270 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.270), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 10

Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not collect a deposit unless the lease is written and the tenant gets, at move-in, a signed and dated checklist describing the condition of walls, flooring, furniture, appliances and other items. A landlord who collects a deposit without the checklist is liable for the deposit amount. Source: RCW 59.18.260(2)–(5) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.260), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 11

Is landlord retaliation illegal in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not retaliate against good-faith complaints to authorities or the assertion of rights under the chapter (§ 59.18.240). Action within 90 days of such an act is presumed retaliatory (rebuttable). The presumption reverses if the tenant was behind on rent (§ 59.18.250). Source: RCW 59.18.240, 59.18.250 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.240), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 12

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Removing or excluding a tenant without a court order is unlawful. The tenant can recover possession or end the lease, plus damages and attorney's fees (§ 59.18.290). Intentionally cutting off water, heat, electricity or gas (except briefly for repairs) makes the landlord liable for damages and up to $100 per day (§ 59.18.300). Source: RCW 59.18.290(1), 59.18.300 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.290), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 13

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Washington?

Accepted Answer

After written notice of a defect, if the landlord doesn't begin repairs in time, the tenant may hire a qualified person to make the repair. After the landlord has a chance to inspect, the tenant may deduct up to two months' rent per repair. Source: RCW 59.18.100(1)–(2) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.100), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 14

What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Under RCW 59.18.060, landlords must give tenants written fire-safety information when the lease is signed, including smoke-detector notice and, in multi-unit buildings, evacuation information. They must also provide Department of Health information on indoor mold. For leases entered into after Dec. 31, 2026, they must also disclose possible flood-hazard location, that the landlord's insurance does not cover the tenant's belongings, and where county hazard information is available. Source: RCW 59.18.060(12)-(14) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.060), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 15

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Washington?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant abandons the unit while behind on rent, the landlord may store the property and must mail notice of the planned sale or disposal. The property may be sold or disposed of 45 days after the notice; it must be returned if the tenant asks in writing and pays storage costs. Source: RCW 59.18.310(2) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.310), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 16

Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment or stalking victim with a protection order or a qualified third party's signed report can end the lease and leave without further obligation. The request must be made within 90 days of the incident (§ 59.18.575). Servicemembers with PCS or deployment orders may give less than 20 days' notice (§ 59.18.200(1)(b)). Source: RCW 59.18.575(1), 59.18.200(1)(b) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.575), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 17

Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Washington?

Accepted Answer

No late fee may be charged for rent paid within 5 days after the due date. After that, late fees may run from the first day after the due date. Source: RCW 59.18.170(2) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.170), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 18

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may charge for a screening report only after giving the required written screening notice; a landlord doing its own screening may charge only actual costs, no more than local screening services charge. Source: RCW 59.18.257(1) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.257), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 19

Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Landlords need a statutory cause to refuse to continue a tenancy. A fixed-term lease can end without cause only in limited cases (e.g., 12+ month term) and with at least 60 days' written notice before it ends. Source: RCW 59.18.650(1) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 20

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not refuse to rent, or set different terms, based on a tenant's source of income. Source: RCW 59.18.255 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.255), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 21

Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Washington?

Accepted Answer

After written notice and a good-faith estimate, if the landlord doesn't start repairs in the required time, the tenant may hire a licensed or qualified person and deduct up to two months' rent per repair (and two months' rent total per 12 months). Repairs the tenant does personally are limited to one month's rent. Source: RCW 59.18.100 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 22

What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Washington?

Accepted Answer

When a sole occupant dies, the landlord must promptly notify the known representative, designated person or emergency contact. The tenancy ends 15 days after the notice or when paid-up rent runs out, whichever is later, unless a representative prepays rent (up to 60 days from the death) to remove the belongings. Source: RCW 59.18.595 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 23

How does the eviction court process work in Washington?

Accepted Answer

The eviction summons must set a return day 7 to 30 days after service (the court sets the date when service is by publication), and must tell the tenant to appear and answer by then or the landlord gets the relief requested. Source: RCW 59.12.070; RCW 59.18.365 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.12.070), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 24

Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Smoke detectors are required in all dwelling units occupied by someone other than the owner. The owner installs them. The tenant maintains them, including batteries. At each vacancy the owner must make sure the detector works before the next tenant moves in. Separately, residential buildings must have carbon monoxide alarms under building code rules. Source: RCW 43.44.110; RCW 19.27.530 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.44.110), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 25

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Washington?

Accepted Answer

If the landlord fails to fix serious conditions that endanger health or safety (such as no water or heat, plumbing hazards, or fire risks), the tenant gives written notice. If not fixed in a reasonable time, the tenant can ask the local government to inspect and certify the condition, then pay rent into an escrow account instead of to the landlord. Source: RCW 59.18.115 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 26

What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

All security deposits must promptly be put into a trust account kept for tenants' deposits at a financial institution or licensed escrow agent in Washington. Unless agreed otherwise in writing, the landlord keeps the interest. Source: RCW 59.18.270 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 27

Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) found no rule on subletting or assignment. The lease controls. Source: RCW 59.18 (searched in full) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 28

Does a landlord need just cause to evict in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Statewide just cause applies: a landlord may not evict, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for a cause listed in RCW 59.18.650(2) (such as nonpayment, uncured lease breach, nuisance, owner move-in or sale). Narrow exceptions let a landlord end certain fixed-term leases at the end of the term with at least 60 days' written notice (an initial 6-12 month lease, or a 12+ month lease that never went month-to-month). Source: RCW 59.18.650(1)-(2) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 29

What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

For a substantial breach of a material lease term or legal obligation, the landlord must serve written notice describing the breach and giving the tenant at least 10 days to fix it before the tenancy can end. For waste, nuisance, unlawful activity affecting the premises, or substantial or repeated unreasonable interference with others, the notice to quit is at least 3 days. Source: RCW 59.18.650(2)(b)-(c) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 30

What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Landlords must accept a personal check, cashier's check or money order for rent (they can refuse personal checks for 9 months after a bounced check) and must allow payment by mail unless they have an accessible on-site location. A landlord may refuse cash but must give receipts for cash payments. Source: RCW 59.18.063 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 31

What is the eviction record sealing rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A court may order an eviction (unlawful detainer) case to be of limited dissemination if the landlord's case lacked basis in fact or law, the tenancy was reinstated, or for other good cause. Tenant screening companies then may not report the case or use it in any score. Source: RCW 59.18.367 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 32

What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

If a government agency condemns a unit or orders it vacated because of code violations the landlord knew or should have known about, the landlord must pay each displaced tenant household the greater of $2,000 or three times the monthly rent, plus the deposit and prepaid rent, within seven days. Exceptions cover tenant-caused conditions, natural disasters and eminent domain. Source: RCW 59.18.085(3) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 33

What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of RCW 59.18 found no separate rule on pet deposits or pet fees, so any pet deposit falls under the general security-deposit rules in that law. Assistance-animal rules are in fair-housing law, which this site has not reviewed for this topic. Source: RCW 59.18 (searched in full) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 34

What is the condo conversion protections rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Residential tenants of a conversion building must get notice and the public offering statement at least 120 days before they must vacate. Cities and counties may require the declarant to pay relocation assistance of up to three months' rent to lower-income tenants who don't buy. Source: RCW 64.90.655 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.90&full=true), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 35

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Washington?

Accepted Answer

$45. In superior court, the plaintiff in an unlawful detainer (eviction) action under RCW 59.18 or 59.20 pays a $45 case-initiating filing fee instead of the usual $200. The $45 does not cover an order to show cause or other orders, except a default order or default judgment. Source: RCW 36.18.020(2)(a) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.18.020), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 36

What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A tenant who was, or whose household member was, a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking may end the lease with written notice if they have a protection order or a qualified third party's report. Code text: "If a tenant notifies the landlord in writing that he or she or a household member was a victim of an act that constitutes a crime of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment, or stalking." Source: RCW 59.18.575(1) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.575), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 37

What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after." Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) (https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/121/htm_usc50@119-121.zip), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 38

What is the scra / military lease termination rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A tenant in the armed forces (including the National Guard and reserves), or the tenant's spouse or dependent, may end a fixed-term tenancy after receiving permanent change of station or deployment orders. The tenant must give at least 20 days' written notice with a copy of the orders. Code text: "Any tenant who is a member of the armed forces, including the national guard and armed forces reserves, or that tenant's spouse or dependent, may end a tenancy for a specified time if the tenant receives permanent change of station or deployment orders" (RCW 59.18.220(2)). Source: RCW 59.18.220(2) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.220), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 39

What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Washington?

Accepted Answer

A tenant or subtenant still in the home when the property is sold in foreclosure must get 60 days' written notice to vacate before being removed under chapter 59.12 RCW (waste or nuisance eviction can proceed on the usual unlawful-detainer track). Statute text: "A tenant or subtenant in possession of a residential real property at the time the property is sold in foreclosure must be given sixty days' written notice to vacate before the tenant or subtenant may be removed from the property as prescribed in chapter 59.12 RCW. Notwithstanding the notice requirement in this subsection, a tenant may be evicted for waste or nuisance in an unlawful detainer action under chapter 59.12 RCW. (2) This section does not prohibit the new owner of a property purchased " (RCW 61.24.146(1)). Source: RCW 61.24.146(1) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=61.24.146), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 40

What are the Airbnb / short-term rental rules in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Washington short-term rental operators must keep at least $1 million in primary liability insurance (or book through a platform that provides equal coverage) and must give guests a reachable contact plus other consumer-safety items. Cities and counties enforce first with a warning, then a civil infraction. Statute text: "A short-term rental operator must maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one million dollars or conduct each short-term rental transaction through a platform that provides equal or greater primary liability insurance coverage. Nothing in this section prevents an operator or a platform from seeking contributions from any other insurer also providing primary liability insurance coverage for the short-term rental transacti" (RCW 64.37.030; RCW 64.37.050). Source: RCW 64.37.030; RCW 64.37.050 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.37), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 41

Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Washington requires landlords to give written (or posted) notice before screening, stating what information will be accessed, what criteria may cause denial, consumer-report rights, and whether a reusable tenant screening report is accepted. Adverse-action notices must state reasons and may list criminal-record information among the grounds. Website listings must say whether reusable reports are accepted. Statute text: "Prior to obtaining any information about a prospective tenant, the prospective landlord shall first notify the prospective tenant in writing, or by posting, of the following" (RCW 59.18.257(1)(a)). Source: RCW 59.18.257 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.257), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 42

What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Washington?

Accepted Answer

The state landlord-tenant statute (RCW ch. 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on guest stays or occupancy limits. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply. Source: RCW ch. 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true), last checked 2026-10-16.

Washington landlord-tenant law FAQ