Washington state landlord-tenant law ensures protection to both the parties landlord as well as the tenant. With comprehensive rules and regulations, Washington State Landlord Tenant Law is one of the best ways to enhance and maintain the relationship between landlord and tenant. In this blog, we will be taking you through all the details and specifications with updated laws and rights about this law. Keep reading further to know more about it.
Table of contents
Payment Clauses Under Washington State Landlord Tenant Law
If the lease is longer than the period of 12 months, it is required to maintain a written tenancy agreement to avoid any kinds of misunderstandings. The landlord can ask for the payment in any appropriate form be it cash, cheque, or money order.
Rent Regulation
There are no current policies to limit the amount of rent charged by the landlord under Washington State Landlord Tenant Law. Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent for month-to-month leases. For longer leases, increases are generally governed by the lease terms. Seattle has its own laws. For example, in Seattle, landlords need to provide notice 60 days notice to increase the rent. Also, the landlord under the law is allowed to charge any amount for non-payment or late payment of the rent. However, bounced check fees are limited to $40 or the current value of the cheque.
Security Deposits
As per Washington State Landlord Tenant Law, there is no limit to the amount a landlord can charge for the security deposit. Generally, the amount of security deposits charged by the landlords in Washington is an amount equal to the rent of one month. Seattle is an exception where the amount of security deposit can’t be higher than that of one month’s rent.
Refund of Security Deposit
As per the Washington State Landlord Tenant Law, landlords must provide a written checklist of the property’s condition when collecting a security deposit. After the tenancy agreement ends, landlords have 21 days to return the deposit or provide an itemised list of deductions. The Deductions from the security deposit are allowed only for damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs if stipulated in the lease agreement. If the landlord fails to pay the security deposit within 21 days, the landlord will need to pay twice the amount and attorney’s fees for the tenant as well.
Rights and Responsibilities of Landlord and Tenant
One of the most important things while residing on rent in a foreign country is to maintain a good and healthy relationship with the landlord. And, for that one should follow the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant with respect to Washington State Landlord Tenant Law.
Landlord’s Rights and Responsibilities
As per the Washington State Landlord Tenant Law, landlords are required to keep rental properties in a habitable condition. This means ensuring that the property meets basic health and safety standards, including proper plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Landlords can charge a security deposit, but they must follow specific rules for its handling.
The security deposit must be kept in a separate account and returned within 21 days after the tenant moves out, minus any lawful deductions for damages or unpaid rent. As mandated under the Washington State Landlord Tenant Law, the landlords must provide written notice to tenants for various reasons, such as entering the property, terminating the lease, or increasing rent. The notice period varies depending on the type of action.
Tenant’s Rights and Responsibilities
According to Washington State Landlord Tenant Law, the tenants have the right to live in a property that meets all health and safety codes. If the landlord fails to maintain the property, tenants can request repairs and may have the right to withhold rent under certain conditions.
Tenants are entitled to privacy and must be given proper notice (usually 48 hours) before the landlord can enter the rental unit, except in emergencies as mandated by Washington State Landlord Tenant Law. Also, it is the duty of the tenant as per the law to pay rent on time and in full according to the lease agreement. Failure to do so can result in late fees and potential eviction.
Recommended Read: Ready to know the ins and outs of student accommodation in the Lone Star State? Check out our ultimate guide to Texas landlord-tenant laws.
Eviction Under Washington State Landlord Tenant Law
There is a minute difference between termination and eviction. A landlord can evict the tenant from the property while a tenant can only terminate the agreement. Eviction is the legal process and lawsuit to remove the tenant from the property. The landlord must issue at least a 20-day eviction notice in a written format to evict the tenant from the property. 0-day notices are also sometimes called “no cause” notices.
The tenant needs to vacate the property 20 days after receiving the notice. If he fails to do so, the tenant becomes a “holdover” tenant, and the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit against them. Both parties will have the opportunity to present their case. If the court rules in favour of the landlord, an eviction order will be issued. If the tenant still does not vacate, the landlord can request assistance from the sheriff to enforce the eviction order.
Further Read: Feeling overwhelmed by California’s rental rules? Check out our student-friendly guide to California landlord-tenant laws and get the essential tips for your lease with ease!
FAQs
Yes, landlords can charge a non-refundable application fee, but it must be reasonable and related to the tenant screening cost under the Washington State Landlord Tenant Law.
Landlords must follow the same eviction procedures year-round. However, local ordinances may provide additional protections during winter months, such as prohibiting evictions in extreme weather conditions.
As per law, tenants may withhold rent if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs after being given reasonable notice. However, tenants should follow legal procedures for this.
If you receive an eviction notice, review it carefully to understand the reason and the deadline for responding. If you believe the eviction is unlawful or incorrect as per the law, you may contest it in court. Seek legal advice immediately to understand your rights and options.
Retaliation by a landlord for exercising tenant rights, such as reporting unsafe conditions or joining a tenant association, is prohibited as per Washington State Landlord Tenant Law. If a tenant believes they are being retaliated against, they should document all interactions and seek legal advice. They may also file a complaint with local housing authorities.
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