Tenant Rights During Building Repairs in Washington

If you’re renting in Washington State, knowing your rights during building repairs is essential. Whether your landlord plans major upgrades or needs to fix emergency damage, state law offers clear tenant protections. This guide explains your legal rights, responsibilities, and the forms you may need during building repairs in Washington.

Understanding Tenant Protections in Washington During Repairs

Washington law requires landlords to keep rental units safe and habitable. When repairs are needed, tenants have the right to:

• Receive reasonable notice for non-emergency repairs
• Be protected from unnecessary disruption or loss of basic services
• Request urgent repairs if there are hazards to health or safety

This ensures both your safety and a fair process if any part of your home becomes temporarily unusable.

Notice for Entry and Repair Work

In most cases, a landlord must provide at least two days’ written notice before entering your home for repairs, except in emergencies. The notice should explain:

• What repairs will be made
• When workers will enter
• Approximate duration of the repair

For urgent problems like water leaks or gas hazards, no notice is required for immediate entry.^[1]

Right to a Habitable Home and Temporary Relocation

Landlords in Washington must comply with state Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) standards. If major repairs make your home partially or fully unfit (like no heat or unsafe conditions), you may be entitled to:

• Temporary relocation while repairs are completed (in some cases)
• Partial rent reduction if areas are unusable
• Ending your lease early if repairs can’t be completed in a reasonable time

Tip: Always document the issue and your communications with your landlord, including dates, in writing for your records.

If your landlord asks you to leave for repairs, written details about duration, alternative accommodations, and rent adjustments must be provided.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

1. Request for Repairs (Written Repair Request)

• Form Name: N/A (Use a written letter or email)
• When to use: If you need your landlord to fix something urgently (e.g., broken heat, water leak).
• Example use: "I am requesting urgent repair for a water leak in the kitchen ceiling discovered on March 1. Please respond within 24 hours per state law."
• See the Washington Attorney General’s tenant example letters

2. 24-Hour or 48-Hour Repair Cure Notice

• Form Name: N/A (Written notice to landlord)
• When to use: If the landlord hasn't fixed hazardous conditions within a legal timeframe after your request (24-72 hours depending on the urgency).
• Example use: "As per RCW 59.18.070, this letter gives you 24 hours to repair the heating system or I may pursue remedies available under state law."
• Read RCW 59.18.070 notice requirements

3. Notice of Rent Withholding or Repair and Deduct

• Form Name: N/A (Written notice to landlord)
• When to use: If urgent repairs are not made, tenants may, in some cases, give notice, pay for repairs, and deduct up to one month’s rent from the next payment.
• Example use: "I am notifying you, per state law, that the unaddressed repairs to the plumbing will be fixed by a licensed professional. I will deduct the repair cost from next month’s rent."
• Official repair procedures from the WA Attorney General

Your Options If Repairs Disrupt Your Home

• Partial Rent Reduction: If part of your home is unlivable during repairs, you may be able to request a rent adjustment. Get the agreement in writing.
• Terminate Your Lease: If repairs take too long or can’t be finished, you may have the right to end your rental agreement legally. Always provide proper notice.
• Seek Help: If the landlord doesn’t cooperate, you can contact the Washington State Courts, which handle landlord-tenant disputes.

It’s important to understand what to expect and what steps you can take if your living situation is affected.

FAQ: Tenant Protections During Building Repairs

1. Can my landlord make me leave during repairs?
   If repairs make your home unsafe or uninhabitable, your landlord may temporarily relocate you, but must follow proper notice requirements and provide written details about accommodations and rent deductions.
2. How much notice should my landlord give before repairs?
   Landlords must give at least 2 days’ written notice for non-emergency repairs, unless there’s an urgent emergency that threatens safety or property.
3. What if my landlord does not fix urgent problems?
   You can send a written notice, and if the landlord doesn’t comply within the legal timeframe, you may have the right to hire help and deduct costs or, in some cases, withhold rent. Always follow official repair procedures.
4. Can I get a rent reduction for unlivable conditions?
   If repairs make part of your home unusable, you can request a partial rent reduction, but this should be agreed upon in writing with your landlord.
5. Who handles rental disputes in Washington?
   The Washington State Courts oversee landlord-tenant disagreements. Learn more about filing a case in landlord-tenant court.

Summary: Protecting Your Rights as a Tenant

• Washington tenants must receive proper notice and maintain a habitable home during repairs.
• You have options, including temporary relocation, rent reduction, and repair requests, all backed by state law.
• Use written documentation and the right forms to protect your interests if repairs disrupt your home.

Being informed and proactive helps you maintain your rights and find solutions if repairs impact your daily life.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)
• Washington State Courts – Landlord-Tenant Disputes
• Washington Law Help (Free Legal Information for Renters)

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1. See RCW 59.18.150 – Landlord’s Right of Entry.
2. Read RCW 59.18.060 – Landlord’s Duties to Maintain. Main legislation: Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.
3. Washington Attorney General: Repairs in Rentals.
4. Washington State Courts (Official Tribunal for Tenancies).

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