Washington Apartment Bedbug Disclosure Laws: Renter Guide

Moving into a new apartment should be a fresh start, not a source of stress. For renters in Washington, knowing your rights about bedbug disclosures is key to protecting your health and safety. In this article, we break down what Washington law says about bedbug notifications, your landlord’s responsibilities, and what to do if you suspect bedbugs in your new home.

Bedbug Disclosure Requirements for Washington Renters

Washington has clear requirements for landlords regarding bedbug disclosures. These laws aim to ensure renters can make informed decisions and avoid the serious health and financial issues bedbugs can cause.

• Disclosure Obligation: Landlords must provide written information about bedbug identification, prevention, and control to new tenants at or before move-in.¹
• If the unit, building, or complex has had a bedbug infestation within the past year, landlords must give you written notice of this history before you sign your rental agreement.²
• If a landlord learns of a bedbug infestation during your tenancy, they must notify tenants in affected units promptly and provide information on the landlord's treatment plan.

Where Does This Law Come From?

Bedbug disclosure rules in Washington come from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18), which sets the standards for rental housing health and safety.

What Information Must Landlords Give?

When you move in, your landlord must give you written materials created or approved by the Washington State Department of Health. This information helps renters:

• Recognize signs and symptoms of bedbugs
• Understand how to report bedbug problems
• Learn what both tenants and landlords can do to prevent and address infestations

You can review official Department of Health resources at the Washington State Department of Health: Bedbugs page.

What Should You Do If You Find Bedbugs?

If you discover possible bedbug activity in your apartment:

• Immediately notify your landlord in writing. It’s best to send a dated notice (email or letter saved for your records).
• The landlord then has a legal duty to inspect and, if necessary, arrange for bedbug removal at their expense.
• Tenants must cooperate with instructions to prepare the unit for inspection or treatment.

Official Washington Bedbug Reporting Form

While Washington State does not have a single statewide bedbug-specific form, your landlord may provide an internal form to submit complaints. If an issue persists, you can use the standard Landlord Repair Request Notice format:

• Form Name: Notice to Landlord: Request for Repairs or Service (no official number)
• When & How Used: You fill this out when reporting bedbugs or other urgent repair needs. Clearly describe the issue, date, and keep a copy for your records.
• Download sample repair notice forms from the Attorney General’s Office

If your landlord does not respond within a "prompt" time (usually within 24-48 hours for health hazards), you may have additional remedies under state law.

Enforcement and Where to Get Help

If you believe your landlord has not provided required disclosures or has failed to address an infestation:

• Reach out to your local health department for inspections or advice.
• You may file a complaint or seek guidance through the Washington State Office of the Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant division.
• Legal disputes involving rental housing are handled by the state’s county-level District Court system. Find your local Washington State District Court.

For full details, review the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Washington landlords have to tell new tenants about past bedbug problems?
   Yes, landlords must disclose in writing if the apartment or building had a bedbug infestation within the past 12 months before you sign a lease.
2. What should I do if I believe my landlord didn’t provide a bedbug disclosure?
   You should request the disclosure in writing. If it’s still not provided, contact your local health department or the Attorney General’s landlord-tenant division for help.
3. Who pays for bedbug extermination in Washington rental housing?
   Landlords are generally responsible for arranging and paying for treatment, unless the tenant caused the infestation by their own actions.
4. Can I break my lease if my landlord won’t fix a bedbug problem?
   If your landlord fails to address a serious bedbug infestation after written notice, you may have the right to end your tenancy under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Always seek legal advice first.
5. Where can renters get official guidance or report persistent issues?
   Contact the Washington State Office of the Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant division, or your local health department for support and formal complaint options.

Key Takeaways

• Washington law requires landlords to provide detailed, written bedbug disclosures and prevention information at move-in.
• Landlords must notify tenants about recent (past year) infestations before new leases are signed.
• If you find bedbugs, report the problem in writing right away and cooperate with inspection or treatment steps.

Knowing your rights helps you maintain a safe, healthy home. Acting quickly protects everyone in your building.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Department of Health: Bedbugs – Bedbug identification and prevention advice.
• Washington State Office of the Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant – Complaint forms and legal advice for renters.
• Washington State District Court Locator – For legal disputes about rental housing.
• Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) – Full rental housing legislation text.

---

1. Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, RCW 59.18.060
2. Washington State Department of Health, Bedbugs Resource Page

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations