Your rights as a tenant in Washington State

Washington's laws affecting renters have changed as of July 23, 2023. Please read 2023 changes to Washington State's laws affecting renters for a summary.

Renters with low incomes may be appointed a lawyer free of charge before a court may proceed with an eviction. Call our Eviction Defense Screening line at 1-855-657-8387 or Apply Online to find out if you qualify.

Part 1. Introduction

This guide covers most people who pay rent for the place where they live (called residential tenants) in Washington State.

We explain here the most common state laws covering your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The most important of these state laws is the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act ("RLTA"). You can read the RLTA at RCW 59.18. RCW stands for the Revised Code of Washington, the law of Washington State.

Special laws cover people who live in government-funded (called "subsidized") housing programs or in mobile home parks where you own the mobile home. If either of these describes you, go to WashingtonLawHelp.org to learn more.

You should read this to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. This is general information only. Try to get legal help as soon as you can if you have a problem with your landlord.

No. It covers most but not all residential tenants. The law probably covers you if:

• You have a lease agreement.
• You are a month-to-month tenant.
• You have a verbal rental agreement.

The law probably does not cover you if any of these describes your situation:

• You live in a mobile home park but own your mobile home. You should read Tenant Rights under the Manufactured / Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act instead of this guide.
• You live in an RV or trailer that you own. You pay for a space for it. You should read I live in a trailer, motor home, or fifth wheel in an RV park. I pay rent for the lot. Do I have rights? instead of this guide.
• You lease an office for business purposes.
• You live in a homeless shelter or an encampment.
• You live in a medical, religious, educational, recreational, or correctional institution. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.040(1).
• You signed a contract to buy the property where you live. You should read Rent-to-Own in Washington State instead of this guide.
• You are temporarily staying in a hotel or motel. RCW 59.18.040(4)
• You rent the land around your house mainly for farming. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.040(6).
• You are a temporary migrant worker, and your employer gives you housing as part of your job. Read Housing: Your Rights as a Farm Worker to learn more.
• You live in the same place as you work (for example, as a property manager). You live there only because of the job. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.040(9).

If any of these describes you, the RLTA might apply if the landlord or another person set the terms of your living arrangements specifically to avoid being covered by the law. Talk to a lawyer if you think this may be the case.

Part 2. Before moving in

Before renting a place:

• Read the lease carefully before signing. Ask about anything you do not understand.
• Look for hidden charges or penalties. If you sign the lease, you may be stuck paying those charges.
• If something is important to you, get it in writing.
• You can add things to a rental agreement already written if you and the landlord both initial what you added.
• Find out who pays for hot water, heat, electricity, parking, snow removal, and trash disposal. Are they separate from the rent, or do you pay the landlord for it as part of the rent?
• If you will pay an electric bill, ask the electric company how much the unit's electricity cost for the past 12 months. You can also ask the natural gas company for this information.
• If you will pay for your own heat, ask to see last winter's bills.
• Find the utility controls.
• Ask questions. Where is the thermostat? Who controls it? Where is the electric box? Where is the hot water heater?
• Make sure all utilities and appliances work correctly.
• If you share rent, the landlord can charge you for all the rent if your roommates do not pay their share.
• Try to talk to another tenant about what the building and landlord are like.
• Check off-street parking, public transportation, and stores.
• Check that you can lock all screens, windows, and doors and they are not broken.
• The landlord's insurance probably does not protect you from damage or loss of furniture or other property. Consider buying renter's insurance if you want this protection.
• Make a list of major problems in the apartment. Include condition of walls, floors, windows, and other areas. Include any problems in the "Condition Check-In List." See below.
• If you don't note these problems, your landlord could try to charge you for them when you move out.
• You should also take timestamped photos of any issues. Email these photos to yourself and the landlord.
• Be careful about putting money down to "hold the apartment." If you decide later not to rent it, the landlord can refuse to return your money.
• Get something to keep your records in. Make digital copies as well. Keep in your file:
  • Your lease or rental agreement
  • Your security deposit receipt
  • Your list of things wrong with the apartment ("Condition check-in list")
  • Rent receipts and cancelled checks
  • Landlord's address and phone number
  • Any other papers about your tenancy
  What types of rental agreements are there?

  There are 2 main types:

  1. Month-to-month Rental Agreement - RCW 59.18.140

  • Can be in writing or a verbal agreement. If you pay any deposit or non-refundable fee, the landlord must give you a written agreement.
  • Has no fixed time limit. It continues until landlord or tenant gives proper notice that they want to end it. Read Landlords must give a "good" reason to end a tenancy or not renew a lease to learn more.
  • You usually pay rent monthly.
  • The landlord can change the rules after giving you written notice about changes at least 30 days before the end of a rental period. Example: The rental period ends on June 30. The landlord must give you written notice of a rule change before June 1.
  • The landlord can raise the rent after giving you written notice at least 60 days before the end of the rental period (except in certain subsidized rental units, the landlord can give you only 30 days written notice).

  2. Fixed Term Rental Agreement

  • Must be in writing.
  • Requires you to live there for a specific period, like 1 year.
  • Limits the landlord's ability to change the terms of the agreement.
  • During its term, the landlord can only change the rules if you agree.
  • The landlord cannot raise the rent during the term (except in certain kinds of subsidized housing units).
  Can the landlord put any rules they want in a rental agreement?

  No. Certain things are illegal to put in rental agreements. If your agreement has any of these, you do not have to follow them.

  The landlord cannot put something in an agreement that:

  • Gives up (waives) any right the Landlord-Tenant Act gives you.
  • Makes you give up your right to defend yourself in court against the landlord.
  • Limits the landlord's legal accountability where they would normally be responsible.
  • Says the landlord does not have to make repairs.
  • Lets the landlord enter the rental without first giving you proper notice. For more on your right to privacy, see below.
  • Requires you to pay for damages that are not your fault.
  • Says you must pay the landlord's lawyer fees if an argument goes to court, even if you win.
  • Lets the landlord take your things if you get behind in rent.
  • Lets the landlord apply your rent payment toward other amounts you owe the landlord instead, such as for late payments, damages, legal costs, or other fees.
  • Lets the landlord collect more than what a court awards in an eviction case.
  Deposits and other fees

  You should make note of what is and is not refundable. The landlord could collect these kinds of deposits and fees from you when you start renting:

  1. Screening fee - RCW 59.18.257(1)
  2. Security deposit - RCW 59.18.260
  3. Damage deposit
  4. Cleaning fee
  5. Last month's rent paid in advance
  6. Application or holding fee - RCW 59.18.253(2)
  7. Non-refundable pet deposit or other non-refundable deposit
  What is a screening fee?

  Landlords may check (screen) your rental eviction, and credit histories, and your criminal background before renting to you. They usually hire a company to make these checks. The "screening fee" pays that company.

  The landlord must tell you in writing that they are running this report. They cannot charge you more for the screening than it actually costs. If they break (violate) one of these rules, you may have a legal case against them. Read Tenant Screening: Your Rights to learn more.

  A landlord who rejects you because of something they found in the screening report must tell you in writing why they rejected you. If you think the landlord rejected you unfairly, you can file a complaint. Tenant Screening: Your Rights has forms you can use.

  What is a security deposit?

  It is money you give the landlord when you move in. The landlord can use it to cover any unpaid rent or damages. You cannot use your security deposit to pay your last month's rent unless the landlord agrees.

  If you make a deposit, by law the landlord must give you:

  • a receipt for each deposit - RCW 59.18.270
  • a written rental agreement - RCW 59.18.260
  • a written check-list or statement describing the rental unit's condition that you both must sign - RCW 59.18.260
  • the name and address, in writing, of the bank or escrow company where the landlord is keeping the deposit - RCW 59.18.270

  *If the landlord takes a security deposit from you without giving you the written checklist, you can file a court case to get the deposit back plus court costs and fees. Read Getting Your Security Deposit Back to learn more.

  Keep these documents in a safe place. You may need them for court. Make copies of them. You can ask for one free replacement copy of the checklist if you lose yours.

  Do I have to pay a security deposit?

  Maybe not. Starting June 2022, a landlord can give you the option to pay a monthly fee on top of the rent instead of a security deposit. This fee is called a "monthly deposit waiver fee."

  There are downsides to paying this monthly fee instead of a deposit. For example, the fee is nonrefundable. You won't get this money back when you move out. Read Tenants can now pay most move-in costs in installments to learn more.

  Can I pay a security deposit in installments?

  Yes. You can ask your landlord to let you pay your deposit (plus any nonrefundable fees and last month's rent) in installments. You must ask for this in writing. You and your landlord must both sign the payment plan. Keep a copy for your records.

  If your rental agreement is 3 months or longer, you can ask for a payment plan of 3 monthly, equal payments. Otherwise, you can ask for a payment plan of 2 monthly, equal payments. Payments must start at the start of your tenancy and will be due on the same day as rent.

  • Your landlord cannot charge you any fees, costs, or interest to get into a payment plan.
  • You landlord can deny your request for a payment plan if the total amount of deposits and nonrefundable fees are not more than 25% of the first month's rent and is not requiring last month's rent.
  • Your landlord can start an eviction case against you by delivering a 14-day Pay or Vacate Notice if you miss a payment. It's treated as if you didn't pay your rent.
  Does the landlord have to give back my security deposit?

  It depends. If you owe back rent or have damaged the unit, the landlord can keep some of it. They can only keep what you owe for rent or repair costs. If you owe the landlord more than the amount of your security deposit, they can sue you.

  Does the landlord have to pay me interest on my security deposit?

  Only if you both agreed to this.

  What is a damage deposit?

  A landlord can collect this to cover the cost of damages you or your guests cause. The landlord cannot use this to cover unpaid rent.

  Can the landlord keep my security or damage deposit to pay for routine upkeep?

  No. The landlord cannot keep a security or damage deposit to repair "wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises." Here are some examples of "wear resulting from ordinary use:" worn carpet, chipped paint, worn finish on wood floor, faded or dingy paint.

  The landlord can deduct the cost of fixing damages beyond wear resulting from ordinary use. Here are some examples of damages the landlord can charge you for: broken windows, holes in the wall, leaving trash or other items that must be thrown away, leaving the unit so dirty that it is unhealthy or unsafe.

  If a storm, fire, or unknown person damages the unit, tell the landlord right away. They should not charge you for repairs if you or your guests did not cause the damage. Make sure to document the damage with timestamped photos.

  How fast does the landlord have to return my security or damage deposit?

  After you move out, the landlord has 30 days to send you the deposit or a letter saying why they are keeping some or all of it. They must send this letter to the most recent address they have for you.

  When you move out, give the landlord your new address or make sure you have your mail forwarded so you will get the deposit or letter.

  What if the landlord does not give back my deposit? The landlord went into foreclosure. Can I get my security deposit back?

  Maybe. The landlord must refund your security deposit or transfer it to the new owner of the place after the foreclosure. Read I am a tenant living in a foreclosed property. What are my rights to learn more.

  What is a cleaning fee?

  A landlord can charge this to have the place cleaned after you move out if this was in your written rental agreement. Some landlords collect a nonrefundable cleaning fee. No matter how clean you leave the place, the landlord keeps the fee.

  What is an application or holding fee?

  You give the landlord this fee to ensure that the landlord will not rent the unit to someone else before you move in. This fee cannot be more than 25% (¼) of your first month's rent.

  Usually, the landlord keeps a holding fee or deposit if you change your mind and do not move in. If you do move in, the landlord must apply this fee towards the security deposit or first month's rent. You can sue a landlord who wrongly keeps the fee.

  The landlord may not keep any of the holding fee if the unit fails a tenant-based rental assistance program inspection. Example: If you have a Section 8 voucher and the inspection does not happen within 10 days of you paying the fee, the landlord does not have to hold the place but must return the holding fee.

  What is "last month's rent paid in advance"?

  This is not a deposit. The landlord can only use it for payment of your last month's rent. The landlord cannot keep this amount for damages.

  The landlord must refund this if you move out early at the landlord's request or after you give proper notice.

  Can I pay the rent in cash?

  It depends on the landlord. A landlord can refuse cash payment of rent.

  If the landlord will accept cash payment, the landlord must give you a receipt for any such payments.

  What is a "Condition Check-In List?"

  You should always get this list before moving in. It describes the condition and cleanliness of the unit or its furnishings. It is very important. The landlord may try to blame you for damages that were there when you moved in. With the list, you can prove the damages were already there.

  The check-in list should specifically describe the condition and cleanliness of the rental unit and describe any existing damages. The checklist must specifically describe the condition of appliances, furnishings, carpet, walls, and any other part of the rental unit.

  Do not let the landlord leave anything off, even if they say they are going to fix the damage or will remember it was there. Do not sign the list until it is right!

  If you pay a deposit, the landlord must give you a Condition Check-In List. You and the landlord must sign it.

  Get a copy of this checklist. Keep it in a safe place. If you lose your copy, you can ask the landlord for 1 free replacement copy.

  What if I find damages later?

  If you find damages you did not notice when you signed the Condition Check-In List, ask the landlord to change the list to include them as soon as possible. If they refuse or do not get around to it within a week, write the landlord a letter:

  • Describe the newly discovered damages.
  • State that you did not make them.
  • Put that the landlord should add them to the check-in list.
  • Sign and date the letter.

  Mail the landlord a copy of the letter. Keep a copy for yourself.

  You should take timestamped pictures or video of damages if any of these are true:

  • They are major damages
  • The landlord refused to put them on the list
  • You did not notice them until after you signed the check-in list

  Part 3. While you are living there

  What are the landlord's responsibilities?

  The landlord must:

  • Maintain the unit so it does not violate state and local laws in ways that endanger your health and safety
  • Keep shared or common areas reasonably clean and safe
  • Fix damage to chimney, roof, floors, or other structural parts of the living space
  • Maintain a reasonable program to control insect, rodent or other pest infestations, except when you caused the problem
  • Make repairs when something breaks in the unit, except if it is caused by normal wear and tear
  • Provide good locks for the unit and give you keys for them
  • Replace a lock or give you a new key, at your expense, if you ask for this after getting a court order granting you possession of a rental unit and excluding a former co-tenant. Example: after you get a restraining order against an abusive ex-partner or spouse. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.585
  • Provide fixtures and appliances necessary to supply heat, electricity and hot and cold water
  • Provide smoke detectors and make sure they work when you move in. You must buy new batteries and maintain smoke detectors. You can read the law about this at 59.18.130(7)
  • Fix electrical, plumbing, heating systems if they break
  • Fix other appliances that come with the rental
  • Make repairs needed so the house is weather-tight
  • Tell you the name and address of landlord or their agent
  • Give you a receipt for your cash rent if your landlord accepts cash payments, even if you do not ask for one. If you pay in any other form, the landlord must give you a receipt at your request. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.063

  If more than one family lives in a house or apartment building, the landlord must provide trash cans and arrange for trash and, in some cases, recyclable items pick up. If only one family lives in the house or building, the landlord does not have to provide trash pick-up.

  *The landlord does not have to pay for damages or problems that are your fault. What are the tenant's responsibilities?
  • Pay rent and any utility bills agreed upon
  • Follow city, county, and state regulations
  • Keep the unit clean and sanitary
  • Dispose of garbage properly
  • Pay for control of any pest infestations that you caused
  • Properly use plumbing, electrical and heating systems
  • Restore the place to the same condition as when you moved in, except for normal wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises.
  • Engage in or allow any gang- or drug-related activity on the property
  • Allow damage to the property
  • Allow lots of garbage to build up in or around the unit
  • Cause a nuisance or substantial interference with other tenants' use of their property
  • Allow any of your guests to do any of the prohibited actions.

  Changing the date rent is due

  You can ask the landlord to change the date your rent is due. In some cases, the landlord must agree to a new due date. Read Can I change the date my rent is due to learn more.

  What if the landlord sells the property?

  This does not automatically end a lease or month-to-month agreement. If the landlord is selling the property and wants you to move for that reason, the landlord must give you a 90-Day Notice.

  But the landlord might not need you to move out because of the sale. In that case, the landlord must give you the new owner's name and address by hand delivery or by mailing you the notice plus posting it on the property.

  The landlord must transfer all deposits to the new owner. The new owner must put them in a trust at a bank or in an escrow account. The new owner must give you the new bank or escrow company's name and address.

  Can my landlord enter my unit?

  Generally, the landlord must give you at least 2 days' written notice before entering your rental to make repairs or inspect the place. If the landlord wants to show the rental unit to a potential new tenant or buyer, the landlord only has to give you a 1 day written notice. In the case of emergency or abandonment, the landlord can enter without notice.

  You cannot unreasonably refuse the landlord's entry to repair, improve or service the unit. And your landlord cannot try to enter your unit for harassment.

  What if my unit needs repairs?

  Follow the steps in this section to ask for repairs. Read Tenants: If you need repairs to learn more. You can find sample letters to use there.

  STEP 1 – Write the landlord a letter. Describe the problem and what needs fixing.

  Include your name, address, and apartment number. If the landlord is a management company, include the name of the unit's owner, if you know it. Try to hand-deliver the letter or mail it "certified mail," with a "return receipt requested" at the post office. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself.

  The best way to ask for repairs is through a letter. If you send an email, keep records of what you sent and any reply you got from the landlord.

  STEP 2 - Wait for the landlord to fix the problem.

  After you give the landlord the letter, the landlord has a certain number of days to start making repairs. How many days depends on the problem. Read Tenants: If you need repairs to learn more.

  I gave my landlord notice about needed repairs. The landlord did not start repairs within the required time. What can I do?

  You have 4 options:

  1. You can move out

  You can move out if the landlord does not make repairs within the required time and does not fix the situation within a reasonable time. You just need to give the landlord written notice that you are moving and the reason why. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.090(1).

  The landlord must return your deposits and the equivalent of the rent for the days you have already paid. Example: Your refrigerator breaks. You give the landlord proper written notice. They do not fix it after 72 hours. You move out on July 6. You have already paid rent for all of July. The landlord must give you back the equivalent of the rent for the rest of the 25 days in July.

  2. You can go to court or mediation

  You can hire a lawyer and go to court to force the landlord to make repairs. You cannot sue for repairs in Small Claims Court.

  If the landlord agrees, you can go to mediation. This is usually cheaper and quicker than court. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.090(2).

  3. You can hire someone yourself to make the repairs and subtract the amount from rent

  You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.100. Be careful! This legal process can be complicated. Try to get legal help before you do this and read Tenants: If you need repairs.

  *Important: You must be up to date in rent and utilities to use this method. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.080.

  Can I make as many repairs as I want? - RCW 59.18.100(2)

  No. There are limits to the cost of repairs you can make by hiring someone to do it and deducting the cost from your rent.

  • Each repair must cost less than 2 months' rent if you hire someone or less than 1 month's rent if you do the work yourself.
  • You cannot spend more than 2 months' rent on repairs in any 12-month period if you hire someone or more than 1 month's rent if you do the work yourself.

  Your monthly rent is $750. You hired someone to make repairs in March. That cost $1,500. You could deduct $750 from April's rent and $750 from May's rent. You would not have to pay rent for April or May.

  Your rent is $750 a month. The repair cost was $1,000. You could deduct $750 from April's rent and the final $250 from May's rent.

  4. Make the repairs yourself

  *Important: You must be up to date in rent and utilities to use this method. RCW 59.18.080.

  We describe the method for this in detail in Tenants: If you need repairs. After you give proper notice and wait the required time, depending on the problem, you can fix the problem yourself in a skilled, competent way. If you repair something badly, the landlord can hold you responsible.

  You must give the landlord a chance to inspect your work. Then you can subtract the cost of materials and your own labor from next month's rent. Each repair you do yourself must cost less than 1/2 month's rent. You cannot spend more than 1 month's rent on repairs you do yourself in each 12-month period. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.100(3).
  Example: Your monthly rent is $800. In March, you made 4 separate repairs. Each cost you $200. You could deduct $800 from April's rent. You would not pay rent in April.

  My landlord did not make needed repairs. Can I refuse to pay rent?

  No. If you do not pay rent, even if your place needs repairs, the landlord may start an eviction case against you.

  Illegal actions by the landlord

  The law prohibits a landlord from taking certain actions against you:

  Even if you are behind in rent, the landlord cannot lock you out of the unit, change locks, add new locks, or keep you from entering the unit in any other way. Read My landlord locked me out to learn more.

  Utility Shut-offs - RCW 59.18.300

  A landlord can only shut off utilities to make repairs. The landlord cannot shut off your utilities because you owe rent or to try to make you move out.

  It is also illegal for the landlord to purposely not pay the utility bills to get the service turned off. You can sue the landlord and get damages if they shut off your utilities. Read My landlord shut off my utilities to learn more.

  If you live in a manufactured housing community and the landlord has not paid the water bill, read My landlord has not paid their water bill to learn more.

  Taking Your Property - RCW 59.18.310

  *It is illegal for a rental agreement to say the landlord can take your property.

  The landlord can only take your things if you abandon the unit.

  If the landlord takes your things, first contact the landlord in writing. If you do not get your things back that way, get legal help.

  You can also start a Small Claims case against the landlord for the return of your things. The judge could award you up to $5,000. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.230.

  Renting Condemned Property - RCW 59.18.085

  Landlords cannot rent property that is condemned or unlawful to occupy because of code violations. You might be able to sue the landlord if you find out they knew they rented you property with major code violations. Talk to a lawyer.

  If the rental is condemned while you are living there, the landlord must give you 30 days' notice and also give you financial help to move. Read Tenants' Rights: My place has been condemned to learn more.

  Retaliatory Actions against You - RCW 59.18.240 & RCW 59.18.085(1)

  The landlord cannot take revenge on you (retaliate against you) for exercising your legal rights or making a complaint to a code enforcement agency. The law presumes a landlord is retaliating if the landlord does any of these:

  • Raise the rent
  • Reduce your services
  • Increase your obligations
  • Evict you within 90 days after you assert your rights, after you report the landlord to a government agency, or after an inspection or proceeding by a government agency due to your report.

  These cases can be tricky. If you think the landlord is retaliating against you illegally, try to get legal help. Here are some examples of possible retaliation:

  • You reported a bedbug infestation to the city. The city notifies the landlord that they are inspecting the place. The landlord then tells you he is raising the rent.
  • You properly notify the landlord that you are deducting costs for repairs from your rent. The landlord gets this notice and then shuts off your water utility service.

  If the landlord raises the rent or gives you an eviction notice within 90 days of a legal action you took against them, it may count as retaliation and be illegal. Try to get legal help if you think this is happening. You may be able to sue the landlord. Retaliation may also be a defense to an eviction lawsuit.

  Part 4. Moving out

  Do I have to tell the landlord I am moving?

  If you have a month-to-month agreement - RCW 59.18.200(1)(a)

  Yes. You must send the landlord a letter saying you are moving out. The landlord must get the letter at least 20 days before the end of the rental period.

  The end of the rental period is the day before rent is due. The day you deliver the notice does not count in the 20 days.

  Example: Your rent is due July 1. You want to move out in June. Get the letter to the landlord no later than June 9.

  • If you have experienced threatening behavior by another tenant or your landlord, or you have experienced domestic violence, you may be able to end your rental agreement faster. Read Landlord/Tenant Issues for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and/or Stalking to learn more.
  • Service Members in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard: You can end a month-to-month tenancy or a lease with less than 20 days' notice if you get immediate assignment orders. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.200.

  If you do not give proper notice, you must pay rent for the month after you move out or Rent for 30 days from the day the landlord finds out you moved, whichever comes first. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.310(1).

  The landlord must try to re-rent the place as soon as they find out you moved. If they can rent it less than 30 days after you moved, you must pay only for the days it was empty. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.310. After the next month, you do not have to pay anything.

  If you have a lease

  If you move out at the end of a lease, you usually do not have to give the landlord any notice. Check your lease to make sure.

  If you stay beyond the end of a lease and the landlord accepts rent for the next month, you become a "month-to-month" renter. All rules for month-to-month renters now apply to you.

  If you leave before the end of your lease, you have to pay the rent for all the months left in the lease or all rent owed before the landlord was able to re-rent the unit, whichever is less. You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.310(2).

  *Service Members in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard: If you have a lease, you must give the landlord 7 days' notice of any permanent change of station or deployment order. RCW 59.18.200.

  Getting your deposit back

  After you move out, the landlord has 30 days to return your deposit or give you a written statement with documentation (such as receipts or invoices) showing why they are keeping some or all of your deposit. If you have a hard time getting it back, use our Letter to Landlord for Return of a Security Deposit – Do-it-Yourself Forms interview or get our Getting Your Security Deposit Back packet.

  Part 5. Evictions

  What rules do landlords need to follow?

  A landlord who wants you to move out must follow certain rules. This section explains

  • why the landlord may try to evict you
  • how the landlord must do it
  • what to do if the landlord tries to evict you
  Can a landlord ask me to move out for no reason?

  Mostly, no. As of May 2021, landlords must have a "good" or legal reason for not renewing a rental agreement, ending (terminating) a tenancy, or evicting a tenant. To learn more about what counts as a "good" reason to ask a tenant to leave the rental unit or to evict a tenant, read Landlords must give a "good" reason to end certain tenancies.

  If you live in federally subsidized housing, you have additional rights. Read HUD housing evictions to learn more.

  *Always keep all notices and documents from the landlord.

  When can a landlord make me move out?

  For not paying rent

  If you are behind in rent, even by 1 day, your landlord may give you a 14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate.

  For missing a payment under your deposit installment plan - RCW 59.18.283

  You can ask for an installment plan to pay your move-in costs. If you miss a payment under a written deposit installment plan, it is treated as if you didn't pay rent. Your landlord can serve you a 14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate.

  If you pay what you owe under the payment plan within 14 days after getting the notice, your landlord must accept it and cannot evict you. If you do not pay the amount within 14 days and you do not move out, your landlord can start an eviction lawsuit against you.

  For not following the rental agreement - RCW 59.18.283

  If you substantially break an important term of the rental agreement, the landlord can give you a 10-day notice. If you fix the problem within 10 days after you get the notice, the landlord must stop the eviction process.

  For example, you got a cat despite the rental agreement's "no pets" rule. The landlord sends you a notice to correct the issue or move out within 10 days. You find a new home for the cat.

  Other kinds of activity - RCW 59.18.180

  If you use the property for drug-related or gang-related activity, substantially interfere with the neighbors' or landlord's right to use and enjoy their own homes, assault someone on the premises or use a gun or other deadly weapon, or damage the property value, the landlord may only have to give you a 3-Day Notice before starting an eviction lawsuit against you. You may not get time to try to fix the problem.

  Other good reasons the landlord can make you move

  There are a few other "good reasons" the landlord can make you move. They include lying on your rental application and registering on a sex offender. Each of these reasons has its own type of notice the landlord must give you. Read Landlord must give a "good" reason to end a tenancy or not renew a lease to learn more.

  What if I am still living in the unit after the time on the notice is up?

  The landlord can start an eviction court case against you. In Washington, we call the process an Unlawful Detainer Action. To start the process, the landlord must deliver to you two court forms called a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer.

  What if I get a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer notice?

  The landlord is trying to evict you. You must respond in writing by the deadline listed in the Summons, or you will lose the eviction court case automatically.

  1. Try to get legal help as soon as possible, and get our I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit packet as soon as possible.
  2. Next, write and deliver a Notice of Appearance or an Answer to the landlord or the landlord's lawyer. If the case has a case number, you must also file your Notice of Appearance or Answer with the court. You do not have much time. You must submit these documents quickly, even if you do not have legal help.

  The Summons and Complaint will say the deadline for submitting your Notice of Appearance or Answer. You should get the Summons and Complaint at least at least 7 days before the deadline to submit your written Notice of Appearance or Answer.

  What is a Notice of Appearance?

  When you get a Summons and Complaint, you can respond with a Notice of Appearance, so you do not lose the eviction lawsuit automatically. For example, the landlord says you owe rent, but you do not think you do. The Notice of Appearance lets the court know you want to argue your case at a hearing.

  If you do not submit the Notice of Appearance, the landlord will probably win the case automatically. Then you will have to move out after the sheriff posts a notice on your door.

  The Notice of Appearance form is simple. It is in our I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit as soon as possible packet.

  What is an Answer?

  If you get a Summons and Complaint notice, you can (but you do not have to) also submit a written Answer. An Answer is more detailed than a Notice of Appearance. In it, you explain your side of the story and your defenses. But, try to talk to a lawyer first.

  How do I submit my Notice of Appearance (and/or Answer)?

  Make at least 2 copies of each. Hand deliver one copy to the landlord or their lawyer. Ask the landlord's lawyer or secretary to stamp both the copy you are keeping and the copy you are giving them with the date and time. Keep your copy for proof you delivered it to them before the deadline listed on the Summons. If you cannot deliver your written response in person, you may have to mail or fax your response.

  Next, if there is already a case number on the Summons and Complaint, you must file the forms at Superior Court. Take the originals to the Superior Court in the county listed on the Summons.

  If there is no case number on the Summons and Complaint, keep your originals for now. Wait to receive the case number in the mail or by hand delivery. Then take the original "Notice of Appearance" (and "Answer", if you are filing one) you filled out to the Superior Courthouse in the county listed on the Summons.

  What if I get a Notice with the Summons that says I have to pay rent into the court registry?

  This notice is no longer valid as of May 2021. You can ignore it.

  Do I have to go to court?

  If you must go to court, you should get a notice called an Order to Show Cause. Go to the courthouse on the date listed to argue your case. Read Eviction and Your Defense and Getting ready for a hearing or trial.

  Do I get a lawyer for my eviction case?

  Yes, if you qualify.

  Renters with low incomes may be appointed a lawyer free of charge before a court may proceed with an eviction. Call our Eviction Defense Screening line at 1-855-657-8387 or Apply Online if you think you may quality.

  The court should give you the chance to have a lawyer appointed to your eviction case. At your show cause hearing, ask the court to reschedule (continue) the hearing so you can get a lawyer appointed to your case. You should insist on this right even if the judge wants the case to proceed without you having a lawyer.

  What is a "writ of restitution?"

  If you lose the eviction court case, the sheriff may post a Writ of Restitution on your door or hand deliver it to you. The sheriff may come back (after at least 3 days) to physically evict you.

  After the sheriff posts a notice on your door, try to get legal help as soon as possible. At this point, it is very hard to stop an eviction.

  Can my landlord physically force me off the property?

  No. Only the sheriff can do that. The landlord must go to court to have a judge sign off on an eviction and get the sheriff involved.