What happens if my Washington lease is missing required disclosures?

You may have rights to remedy or file a complaint. Request the missing documents in writing and contact the Washington Attorney General if they are not provided.

Are landlords required to provide a signed move-in checklist?

Yes, if a security deposit is collected, Washington landlords must provide and sign a move-in checklist with you.

Where can I access Washington's landlord-tenant laws?

The Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is available on the Washington State Legislature’s website.

Can a rental agreement be verbal in Washington?

Month-to-month rental agreements can be verbal, but leases for a year or longer must be in writing.

Washington Lease Agreement Requirements: What to Include

Q: Who resolves rental disputes in Washington State?

Disputes are handled by the local County District Courts and the Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Program.

Lease Agreements & Renewals Washington published: June 21, 2025

Signing a lease is a big step for renters in Washington. Knowing what must be included in a lease agreement can help you protect your rights, avoid misunderstandings, and make sure your rental experience goes smoothly. This guide walks you through the essentials every renter should look for in a Washington lease agreement, including legal disclosures, important forms, and where to turn for official help.

Key Information Required in a Washington Lease Agreement

A Washington lease agreement sets out the rules and expectations for both renters and landlords. State law requires that certain information and disclosures appear in every lease. Make sure your lease has these essentials:

Names and contact details: Full names of all tenants and the landlord or property manager, plus current contact information.
Rental property address: The complete address of the property you will rent.
Lease term: Start and end dates (for fixed-term leases) or specify if it's month-to-month.
Rent amount and payment details: Monthly rent, where/how to pay, and due date.
Deposits and fees: Security deposit amount, nonrefundable move-in fees, and where your deposit is held.
Utilities and maintenance: Which utilities are included in rent and which are the tenant’s responsibility.
Rules and policies: Pet policies, smoking bans, parking details, guest restrictions, and maintenance responsibilities.
Required disclosures: Health and safety notices, such as lead-based paint disclosure (for buildings built before 1978) and the Fire Safety & Protection Notice.

Legal Disclosures and Required Lease Forms

Washington State law mandates several important disclosures and forms in rental agreements. These protect your health and clarify both parties’ responsibilities. Here are key disclosures and official forms commonly required:

Fire Safety & Protection Notice (RCW 59.18.060):
Landlords must provide a written notice describing the building's smoke detection, fire alarm systems, emergency evacuation routes, and fire safety features.
Read more about this requirement on the Washington State RCW 59.18.060 page.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal and State law):
Required for rentals built before 1978. Landlords must provide the official Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and the "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet.
If your building was built before 1978, ensure you receive and review this form for your safety and health.
Move-In Checklist Form (Condition Report; not officially numbered):
When collecting a security deposit, landlords must provide a written checklist describing the property’s condition, signed by both landlord and tenant. Find examples and details on the Washington Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Guide.
This protects you from unfair security deposit claims at move-out.
Security Deposit Receipt:
If you pay a deposit, your landlord must provide a receipt and state the name and address of the bank or institution holding your money (see RCW 59.18.270).

The Role of the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

The main law governing lease agreements in Washington is the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). These laws outline both your rights and your responsibilities as a renter.

Other Important Terms and Attachments

Your lease might also include or reference other agreements, like payment plans, roommate addendums, or pest control notices. While these are not always required, they are legally binding once signed. Always ask for copies of every document you sign.

Certain terms—like “as-is” or “nonrefundable deposits”—have specific legal meanings in Washington. Always read the lease carefully, and don’t hesitate to request clarification in writing before signing.

What to Do If Your Lease Lacks a Required Disclosure or Form

If you notice something missing (like a Fire Safety notice or deposit checklist), you can:

Request the missing disclosure or form in writing from your landlord or property manager.
Contact your local city or county housing office if the landlord doesn't provide required information.
Reach out to the Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Program for guidance or to file a complaint.

The official bodies that address rental disputes and handle complaints in Washington include local County District Courts and the Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Division.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my lease is missing required information in Washington?
Your lease could still be legally valid, but missing certain disclosures (like lead paint or fire safety notices) may give you rights to remedy or pursue complaints. Ask your landlord for the missing documents, and contact your local housing authority or the Washington Attorney General if you don’t receive them.
Can my landlord add new rules after I’ve signed the lease?
Generally, changes require your agreement unless specified otherwise in the lease. For month-to-month agreements, new rules often require written notice (typically 30 days).
Am I entitled to a signed move-in checklist?
Yes. If a security deposit is collected, Washington law requires a written move-in checklist signed by both landlord and tenant.
Where can I read the full Washington landlord-tenant law?
The official Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is available on the Washington State Legislature site.
Do verbal rental agreements count under Washington law?
Month-to-month tenancies can be verbal, but any agreement for a year or more must be in writing. Even with a verbal agreement, required disclosures must still be provided by the landlord.

Key Takeaways for Washington Renters

Every lease should include vital details: rent, terms, deposits, disclosures, and signatures.
Required forms—such as the move-in checklist and lead paint disclosure—must be provided. Always request copies.
Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is your go-to law for lease protections and dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Program: Free information, complaint forms, and state guidebooks.
Washington Law Help: Plain-language legal resources for renters
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18): Full state tenancy laws
City of Seattle - Renting in Seattle: For renters within Seattle city limits
Your Local County District Court: Handles disputes and legal proceedings between landlords and tenants