Washington Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Washington capped annual rent increases statewide in 2025 at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, and bars any increase during the first 12 months of a tenancy (RCW 59.18.700). Landlords must give 90 days’ written notice of an increase and return deposits within 30 days.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Washington?
A Washington landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates to return the deposit with a full and specific statement of any amount kept.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required, with documentation of damage costs |
| Statute Reference | RCW 59.18.260, 59.18.280 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Washington?
Washington limits increases to 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, in any 12 months, bans increases during the first year, and requires 90 days’ written notice.
| Grace Period | No late fee until rent is more than 5 days late |
| Rent Control Status | Statewide cap: 7% + CPI, maximum 10% (through 2040) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 90 days |
| Statute Reference | RCW 59.18.140, 59.18.170, 59.18.700 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Washington
A Washington eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 14-day pay-or-vacate notice, and most terminations require one of the just causes listed in RCW 59.18.650.
| Non-Payment Notice | 14 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 10 days to comply |
| Month-to-Month Notice | Just cause required |
| Illegal Activity | 3 days |
| Statute Reference | RCW 59.12.030, 59.18.650 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Washington?
No. Washington requires 2 days’ written notice to enter, or 1 day to show the unit, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 2 days (1 day to show the unit) |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | RCW 59.18.150 |
What Must a Washington Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Information about mold and how to limit it (RCW 59.18.060)
- Fire safety and protection information
- Move-in condition checklist, required to collect a deposit (RCW 59.18.260)
- Name and address of the landlord or agent
- Tenant screening criteria before applying (RCW 59.18.257)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Washington?
Washington landlords must keep the unit fit for habitation and fix defects within set deadlines after notice; tenants can repair and deduct up to one month’s rent.
What Washington landlords must maintain
- • Keep the premises fit for human habitation (RCW 59.18.060)
- • Maintain structural components, plumbing, heating and electrical systems
- • Provide working smoke and carbon monoxide detection
What a Washington tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct after the statutory waiting period (limit below)
- • Pay rent into a court or government escrow (RCW 59.18.115)
| Repair & Deduct | Up to one month’s rent per repair; two months’ in any 12 months |
| Statute Reference | RCW 59.18.060, 59.18.100, 59.18.115 |