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Washington

A Washington residential lease agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and a tenant, outlining the terms and conditions under which a tenant may occupy a rental property. This document is essential for establishing the rights and responsibilities of both parties and ensuring compliance with state laws.

Required Disclosures

Washington law mandates several disclosures that landlords must provide to tenants as part of the rental agreement. These disclosures include:

  1. Fire Protection & Evacuation: Landlords must inform tenants about fire safety measures, including the building's smoking policy and the operation of fire alarms and sprinklers.
  2. Landlord/Agent Identification: The lease must include the names and addresses of individuals authorized to enter the premises, such as property managers.
  3. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For properties constructed before 1978, landlords must notify tenants of the potential presence of lead-based paint and provide an EPA pamphlet on its hazards.
  4. Mold Disclosure: Tenants must be informed about the dangers of mold and how to control it.
  5. Move-In Checklist: If a security deposit is collected, both parties must sign a checklist documenting the property's condition at move-in.
  6. Non-Refundable Fees: Any non-refundable fees, such as application fees, must be explicitly stated in the lease.
  7. Security Deposit Receipt: Landlords must provide a receipt that identifies the account in which the security deposit is held.
  8. Voter Registration Packet: In Seattle, landlords must provide tenants with a voter registration packet.

Security Deposit Regulations

Landlords in Washington may charge a security deposit of up to 25% of the first month’s rent. The following regulations apply to security deposits:

  • Returning Requirements: Security deposits must be returned within 30 days of lease termination.
  • Itemized List Required: Landlords must provide an itemized list of reasons for any deductions from the security deposit, along with copies of bills or receipts for repairs.
  • Separate Bank Account: Security deposits must be held in a trust account maintained by the landlord specifically for this purpose.

Rent Payment Laws

Rent payment regulations in Washington include:

  • Grace Period: Landlords must provide a grace period of five days before late fees can be charged.
  • Maximum Late Fee: The maximum late fee is either $20 or 20% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater.
  • NSF Fee: For a bounced check, landlords may charge up to $40 or the face value of the check, whichever is less.
  • Withholding Rent: If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after being notified, tenants may use up to two months’ rent to pay for repairs themselves.

Landlord Right of Entry

Landlords are required to provide 48 hours’ written notice before entering a rental property, except in emergencies where no notice is necessary.

Lease Termination

To terminate a month-to-month lease, landlords must provide tenants with a 20-day notice to quit. If a tenant leaves personal property after abandoning the rental unit, the landlord must store the belongings and notify the tenant that they will be sold unless claimed within 45 days of the notice.

FAQs

In Washington, landlords must provide several required disclosures, including fire safety information, the landlord’s name and address, lead-based paint disclosure for properties built before 1978, mold information, a move-in checklist if a security deposit is collected, and details about any non-refundable fees. Additionally, Seattle landlords must provide a renter’s handbook and voter registration packet.

In Washington, the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge is typically 25% of the first month’s rent. However, in Seattle, the total amount of security deposits and non-refundable fees is limited to one month’s rent.

Landlords in Washington must return the security deposit within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant abandons the property. They must also provide an itemized list of any deductions made from the deposit.

In Washington, landlords cannot charge late fees until five days after the rent is due. After this grace period, they may impose a late fee, which is capped at either $20 or 20% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater.

In Washington, landlords must provide at least 48 hours’ written notice before entering a rental property, except in emergencies where no notice is required. If the landlord is showing the property to prospective tenants or buyers, only one day’s notice is needed.

If a tenant abandons a rental property in Washington, the landlord can charge them for the total rent due for the remainder of the lease term or the accumulated rent from the date of abandonment until the property is re-rented, whichever amount is less. For month-to-month leases, the liability for abandonment cannot exceed one month’s rent.

In Washington, any non-refundable fees must be clearly stated in the lease agreement and agreed upon by the tenant. This ensures transparency and compliance with state regulations regarding rental agreements.

The move-in checklist in Washington must document the condition of the rental property at the time of move-in. It should include details about walls, flooring, appliances, and any furniture, and must be signed and dated by both the landlord and tenant.