Washington Tenant Rights: Changing Locks & Security Rules

If you're renting in Washington State and wondering about your right to change locks, it's important to know what the law allows and how to protect your safety while meeting legal obligations. Washington's landlord-tenant laws help define when renters can change locks, what notice is required, and how emergencies or domestic violence situations change the rules.

Can Renters Change the Locks in Washington?

Generally, renters in Washington cannot change the locks on their rental unit without first getting the landlord’s consent, unless special circumstances apply. This ensures that landlords retain access in case of emergencies and for required repairs. However, there are cases where a tenant can change the locks, especially for protection in situations involving domestic violence.

Key Situations When Lock Changes May Be Allowed

• With Written Landlord Permission: Most often, tenants must request and receive the landlord’s written approval before changing any locks. The landlord may require to be provided a new key promptly.
• Domestic Violence Protections: If a tenant presents documentation of domestic violence, state law allows them to change locks for personal safety. The tenant must follow special procedures and provide a copy of the new key to the landlord, unless the landlord is the alleged perpetrator.
• Emergency Orders: If a court issues a protection or restraining order that directs lock changes, tenants have the right to act swiftly to secure the premises.

It's important to follow the correct processes in these cases to avoid breaching the lease or state law.

Washington State Tenant Lock Change Procedures

Here’s how lock change requests and processes typically work under current Washington law:

• Write to your landlord to request permission unless it is an emergency or related to domestic violence.
• If you change the locks legally, you must provide a working key to the landlord (unless forbidden for the landlord's safety or per court order).
• If locks were changed for domestic violence, include a copy of police report, valid protection order, or other proper documentation.

Official Forms and Their Use

• Domestic Violence Lock Change Request (RCW 59.18.585): No single statewide form is mandated, but you may use the Washington Protection Order Form as documentation of a qualifying order. Submit a written lock change request plus supporting documents to your landlord.

For protection order applications, tenants can also use the Washington Courts Domestic Violence Protection Order forms. Presenting these forms lets your landlord know the lock change is legally safeguarded.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenancy Disputes in Washington?

The Washington State Courts (particularly the local District or Superior Courts) handle residential landlord-tenant disputes. Small claims court may also be used for some lock change-related issues, like deposit disputes.

All lock change rights and procedures are found in the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).¹ For specific domestic violence protections, refer to RCW 59.18.575 and RCW 59.18.585.²

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to give my landlord a new key if I change the locks?
   In most cases, yes. Washington law says you must provide a working key after a lock change—unless the landlord is the person from whom you are seeking protection due to domestic violence.²
2. Can my landlord enter after I change the locks?
   A landlord still has a legal right of entry with proper notice, so you must not lock them out permanently except in special legal circumstances.
3. Will changing the locks myself ever violate my lease?
   Yes, if you change the locks without landlord consent (and outside domestic violence protections or a court order), you could be found in breach of your lease and potentially evicted.
4. How do I request a lock change due to domestic violence?
   Provide your landlord with written notice and a copy of your protection order or police report. Use state-approved protection order forms and make your request in writing for documentation.
5. Where can I find official state guidance on tenant lock change rights?
   You can read the domestic violence lock change section of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act for details.

Key Takeaways

• Washington tenants generally need landlord permission to change locks, unless protected by a domestic violence order or emergency court order.
• Tenants must usually provide landlords with a working key after a permitted lock change.
• Protection laws for domestic violence survivors allow lock changes and may let you withhold a key if your safety is at risk.

Always communicate in writing and keep records of all lock change requests or agreements.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Resources: Renter FAQs and legal rights
• Washington LawHelp: Free legal information and forms for renters
• Washington Courts Official Forms: Download protection order forms and instructions
• Washington State Courts: Find your local court to resolve lock or safety disputes
• For help with domestic violence, contact the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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1. Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)
2. RCW 59.18.585 – Changing Locks for Domestic Violence Victims

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