Washington State Tenant Law
The Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 1973 governs the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. The Act guides landlord and tenant relations regarding rental agreements, helps protect the health and safety of renters, provides guidance regarding settling disputes and helps ensure that rental housing in Washington State meets local and state housing requirements.
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Landlord Duties
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Landlords must ensure that rental dwellings are fit for human habitation by ensuring that the building premises are maintained in compliance with local and state building codes. Landlords must maintain the electrical, plumbing, heating and structural systems in good repair to protect the health and safety of tenants. Landlords must: keep common and shared areas clean and free of potential hazards; control rodent or pest infestations; manage waste disposal; and conduct repairs and renovations as needed to keep the premises in good repair. Landlords must protect tenant safety by ensuring the rental locks and keys are in good working order. Landlords are responsible for providing a written statement to tenants regarding the location of smoke detectors and fire alarm systems, in addition to the building emergency evacuation plan and the building smoking policy (if applicable). Landlords must post information related to the health effects of exposure to indoor mold in a public location or provide the information to each tenant.
Tenant Rights
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Tenants have the right to request a written receipt from the landlord for each month's rent payment. If a landlord fails to carry out his duties regarding maintenance of the building premises, a tenant has the right to deliver written notice to the landlord requesting that the defect is corrected. Upon receipt of such notice, the landlord must act to remedy the defect as soon as possible. If the defect involves the loss of heat, electricity or hot water or represents a serious hazard to the tenant, the landlord must remedy the situation within 24 hours. If the defect involves loss of the use of an appliance or plumbing fixture, the landlord must remedy the situation within 48 hours. All other defects must be remedied within 10 days.
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Tenant Duties
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Tenants must fulfill the terms and conditions of the rental agreement regarding the amount of rent paid and the date of rent withdrawal. Tenants are responsible for: keeping their premises clean and sanitary and disposing of waste; using electrical, plumbing and heating systems in the manner intended; maintaining the rental dwelling in good condition; and refraining from nuisance, criminal or dangerous activities.
Tenant's Remedial Actions
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If a landlord fails to remedy the situation after being served written notice within the applicable period of time, a tenant has the right to end the rental agreement and vacate the premises. Tenants must provide written notice to the landlord stating the reasons for the termination of the tenancy. Tenants have the right to receive reimbursement for any rent prepaid during the term of the tenancy. Alternatively, tenants may pursue court action to remedy the situation.
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