Washington Tenant Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed December 29, 2017
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Many of us will be a party to a residential lease at some point in our lives. As common as lease agreement are, it's important to understand your legal rights and what's in your lease before becoming a tenant. If you are a residential renter in Washington state, read on to learn more about your rights as a tenant.
Washington Tenants Rights Overview
Like all other states, Washington has laws governing the relationships between landlords and tenants. There are some areas that Washington chooses not to regulate. For example, Washington law doesn't limit how much a landlord can require you to pay as a security deposit. There is also no limit on how much a landlord can charge you as a fee for a late rent payment.
On the other hand, Washington law dictates a timeline for your landlord to either return your security deposit or provide a list of itemized deductions. Washington law also limits how much your landlord can charge as a bounced check fee.
The below chart provides details of Washington tenants' rights laws at a glance.
Statutes |
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act |
Security Deposits |
|
Paying Rent |
|
Living Conditions |
|
Discrimination |
|
Ending or Renewing a Tenancy |
|
Retaliation |
|
Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Washington Tenant's Rights Resources
- Washington Leases and Rental Agreements Laws
- Tenant Rights, Laws and Protections: Washington State
- Get Legal Help with a Tenants' Rights Issue
- Tenants' Rights Basics
- Tenants and Fair Housing
Get a Free Evaluation of Your Landlord/Tenant Case
Before you enter into a residential lease, it's a good idea to completely understand your rights as a tenant. If, after reviewing your state's landlord/tenant laws, you have further questions, you may want to seek professional legal help. FindLaw can help match you with an experienced local attorney for your free case evaluation.
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