How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising the rent in Washington?

Landlords must give at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing rent on month-to-month tenancies.

What should I do if my landlord refuses to make urgent repairs?

Submit a written request with a deadline. If unaddressed, you may repair and deduct or file a complaint with the Superior Court.

Can my landlord evict me without a court order in Washington?

No. Evictions must follow the legal process and always require a court order.

When must my security deposit be returned?

Your landlord must return your deposit within 21 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement.

Where can I file a discrimination complaint about my rental?

You can file with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

Washington Renter Rights: Legal Protections & Essential Information

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Washington published: June 21, 2025

Washington State offers important protections for renters to ensure safe, fair, and stable housing. Navigating problems like lease changes, eviction threats, or unattended repairs can be stressful, but understanding your legal rights as a Washington renter can give you peace of mind and confidence in every phase of your tenancy.

Your Core Rights as a Renter in Washington

The main law governing tenant and landlord relationships here is the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)^[1]. This legislation outlines your rights and responsibilities, as well as your landlord’s obligations.

Right to a Habitable Home: Your rental must meet basic health and safety standards—functioning heat, hot/cold water, weatherproofing, and safe electrical wiring.
Notice Before Entry: Landlords generally must give 2 days’ written notice (except for emergencies) before entering your unit.
Protection from Unlawful Eviction: You cannot be locked out or evicted without a proper court process and valid notice.
Limits on Deposits and Fees: All deposits must be itemized, and security deposits must be returned within 21 days of move-out, with deductions explained.
Right to Request Repairs: Written repair requests must be addressed within specified timeframes. If not, you may have legal remedies.

Washington also restricts discrimination in housing based on race, religion, national origin, familial status, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and more. Learn more at the Washington State Attorney General’s fair housing page.

Rent Increases & Lease Changes in Washington

Unlike some states, Washington does not set a government cap on rent increases. However, strict notice requirements protect renters from sudden hikes.

Notice Required: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 60 days’ written notice before raising rent. Shorter notice periods are not valid, except under rare circumstances.
Check your lease for specific renewal or increase clauses.

Keep all rent-related notices and communications in writing for your records.

Eviction Laws and Tenant Protections

Evictions in Washington must follow strict legal procedures. No landlord can remove a renter without going through the official court process.

Common Legal Reasons for Eviction: Nonpayment of rent, violating lease terms, or staying after lease expiration (holdover).
Required Notices: The most common is the 14-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate for unpaid rent. Other violations require different notice forms and periods.
If the notice period expires and you haven’t resolved the issue, your landlord must apply to court for an eviction order (unlawful detainer action).

For official forms and detailed timelines, visit the Washington Courts Eviction Resources page.

Security Deposits: What to Know

Many renters pay a security deposit before moving in. Washington law protects your deposit with these rules:

Written Agreement Required: Deposits are only legal if detailed in a written rental agreement with an itemized condition checklist.
Your landlord must return your deposit (minus any allowed deductions) within 21 days after you move out, and provide a written statement of any charges.
If you disagree with deductions, you can write a formal demand or seek help from the official tribunal.

For full details and procedure, see Washington State Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Guide.

Making Repairs: Request and Response

Washington renters have legal rights to timely repairs:

Request all repairs in writing and keep copies.
Timeframes: Simple repairs must be started within 3 days; major repairs (heat, water) within 24 hours.
If ignored, you may have the right to repair and deduct or take further action, but always follow official process to protect yourself.

Tip: Always document repair requests and photos of damages before and after. This creates a clear record if disputes arise.

Official Forms for Washington Renters

Below are essential forms every renter should know. Always use official forms and double-check instructions before submitting.

14-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate: Used by landlords for unpaid rent. If you receive this, you must pay all owed rent or vacate within 14 days to avoid court eviction. See sample and details at Washington Courts Eviction Forms.
Notice of Noncompliance: Used by renters to notify the landlord of unresolved habitability issues. Submit this in writing if urgent repairs are not made.
Complaint in Unlawful Detainer (Form WPF Eviction 150.010): Filed with the court if a landlord seeks eviction and you wish to respond or contest the claim. Details at Washington Courts: Eviction Complaint Form.
If you believe your security deposit wasn’t properly returned, you can use the Demand Letter for Return of Deposit template on the Attorney General’s official site.

Washington’s Tribunal for Tenant Disputes

If you and your landlord can’t resolve issues directly, you may seek help from the Washington State Courts. The county-level Superior Court handles most residential tenancy disputes and all official eviction cases.^[2]

Key Washington Housing Laws

Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)
City and county codes may add rules (for example, Seattle and Tacoma have extra protections).
For discriminatory rental practices, review Washington Fair Housing Rules.

Check both state and local resources for the most up-to-date protections.

FAQ: Washington Renter Rights

How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising the rent?
Landlords must provide written notice at least 60 days before any rent increase for month-to-month leases.
What should I do if my landlord refuses to make urgent repairs?
Submit a written request with a deadline for repairs. If ignored, you may be allowed to repair and deduct or file a complaint with your county’s Superior Court.
Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
No. Washington law requires all evictions to go through the official court process, with proper notice and legal documentation.
When must my security deposit be returned?
Landlords have 21 days after you move out to return your deposit and provide an itemized statement of any deductions.
Where can I file a complaint about rental discrimination?
You can report housing discrimination to the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Washington Renters

Understand your rights—don’t hesitate to seek help from official sources if you face housing issues.
Always put requests and complaints in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
Learn about local city rules for extra renter protections in your area.

Knowing your rights and how to use them makes your rental experience safer and more stable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Washington Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Law Overview
Washington State Courts: Tenant Disputes and Eviction
Washington State Human Rights Commission: Discrimination Complaints
For emergencies, call 2-1-1 Washington for free housing and legal aid referrals.

See Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)
Washington Superior Courts: Official State Courts Portal