Washington Landlord/Tenant Rights Summary
Washington Landlords should use this guide to understand state landlord-tenant laws. It’s a plain-language guide covering leases, rent, security deposits, repairs, landlord and tenant rights, evictions, and more. Know Washington lease laws so you can manage your rentals efficiently and compliantly.
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What Washington Landlords Need to Know in 2026
Self-managing landlords in Washington State need to know key landlord-tenant laws. This guide provides an overview of important lease laws to help landlords and property managers run their rental business smoothly and legally.
It includes details about:
- Lease requirements and disclosures
- Security deposit regulations
- Rent and rent increases
- Landlord and tenant responsibilities
- Property maintenance and repairs
- Landlord entry
- Ending a tenancy and eviction procedures
Whether you're a new Washington landlord or a seasoned property manager, this guide will help you better understand your legal responsibilities and manage your rental property more confidently. It’s a good starting point for navigating Washington's residential landlord-tenant laws.
This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Review current Washington law and consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Landlord-Tenant Laws
What Laws Govern Residential Landlords and Tenants in Washington?
Washington landlord-tenant laws establish the rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants during a residential tenancy. Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act outlines state laws, including lease requirements, security deposit regulations, and landlord access. Property owners must also comply with applicable local and federal laws when managing their properties. Because laws change regularly, landlords need to stay current on applicable regulations and consult a local attorney when questions arise.
How Much Can a Landlord Charge for a Security Deposit in Washington?
There is no statewide limit on security deposits in Washington; however, one month’s rent is a standard amount. To collect a security deposit, landlords must include security deposit terms in the lease agreement and provide tenants with a move-in property condition checklist.
How Much Notice Does a Landlord Have to Give Before Entering a Rental Property in Washington?
In most situations, landlords must give 48 hours’ written notice before entering a property - for example, when entering for maintenance, repairs, or an inspection. Landlords are only required to give 24 hours’ notice to enter for showings to prospective buyers and tenants, and no notice is required to enter during an emergency.
How Quickly Must a Washington Landlord Begin Making Repairs?
The amount of time landlords have to make repairs varies based on the type of issue. For emergencies or issues that create an imminent hazard, landlords have 24 hours to make repairs. For urgent issues, like a plumbing issue or major appliance outage, landlords have 72 hours to make repairs. For all other issues, landlords have 10 days to complete repairs.
How Does a Landlord Evict a Tenant in Washington State?
If a landlord needs to evict a tenant because of unpaid rent, a lease violation, or illegal activity, the first step is to issue the proper notice. The property owner issues a formal notice and then gives the tenant time to comply with the notice. If the tenant does not cure the issue or vacate the property, the landlord may then file an unlawful detainer complaint. If the lawsuit is successful, the court will issue a writ of restitution, requiring the tenant to vacate the property by a set date. If the tenant does not move out by this date, the sheriff may enforce the writ. Landlords should never initiate a self-help eviction.
Washington Rental Forms and Templates
We know that the Lease Agreement isn’t the only form that Landlords need. That’s why we have forms for the entire Landlord Lifecycle - from move in to move out and everything in between!
- Washington Rental Application Disclosure: This form is required any time a Landlord charges a screening fee or an application fee.
- Washington Smoke-Free Lease Addendum: This Washington-specific form establishes a no-smoking policy for rental units and provides all rules regarding smoking anywhere on the property.
- Tenant Welcome Letter: This customizable Welcome Letter helps Landlords share key information with renters and ensures they’re ready to take good care of their new home from day 1.
- Rent Ledger: The rent ledger makes it EZ for Landlords to stay organized and provides key documentation should a Tenant ever miss any rent payments.
- Washington 10 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate: This Notice is used for Tenants that violate a Lease Agreement for reasons other than nonpayment of rent.
- Washington 14 Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate: This Notice is for Tenants that have missed rent payments.
Pro Tip: It’s a required first step in the eviction process.
- Washington Landlord/Tenant Rights Summary: This pamphlet serves as a good resource for Landlords and highlights some key Landlord-Tenant laws.
- Washington State Landlord/Tenant Act: This resource summarizes the state’s Landlord and Tenant laws in a way that is readable and EZ to understand.
Pro Tip: Landlords need a variety of forms when managing a rental property. Save time by getting them all in one place. We have over 450 Landlord forms in our library, including over 200 free forms!