Washington Residential Lease Disclosures: Renter Guide

If you are renting a home or apartment in Washington State, it is vital to understand what information your landlord is legally required to provide before you sign a lease. These legal requirements, called “disclosures,” help protect you as a renter and ensure transparency throughout your tenancy. Knowing what must be disclosed can help you make informed decisions and deal with issues such as repairs, safety, or lease renewals.

What Disclosures Must Landlords Provide in Washington?

Under Washington law, landlords must provide specific information in writing to tenants as part of the rental agreement process. Below are the key required disclosures, most of which are outlined in the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act^[1].

• Landlord Information: The name and address of the property owner or their agent for legal notices and service of process.
• Fire and Smoke Safety: A summary of smoke detector facts, including maintenance responsibilities. (Sample: Fire Safety and Smoke Detector Law)
• Mold Information: Landlords must give tenants “information provided or approved by the Department of Health about the health hazards associated with exposure to indoor mold.” (See: DOH Mold Disclosure)
• Move-In Checklist: Before accepting any deposit, a landlord must provide a written checklist describing the property’s condition (Form: Washington State Move-In Checklist). This must be signed by both parties.
• Security Deposit Rules: If a deposit is collected, the rental agreement must state the terms and the location of your deposit in a financial institution.
• Flood Risk Disclosure: For properties within a special flood hazard area, landlords must disclose flood risk in writing.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For rentals built before 1978, federal law requires disclosure of any known lead-based paint hazards (learn more from the EPA).

Official Forms You Might Receive

• Move-In Checklist — Washington State Move-In Checklist
  When and how it's used: Before moving in, your landlord should provide this checklist to document the property’s condition. Both you and your landlord sign it before keys and deposits are exchanged. This protects your security deposit at move-out.
• Mold Information Pamphlet — Department of Health Mold Disclosure
  When and how it's used: Given to every new tenant, it helps you recognize mold hazards and understand prevention.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form — EPA Disclosure Form
  When and how it's used: For units built before 1978, landlords must give you this form and a lead hazard information pamphlet before you sign a lease or renew.

Why Disclosures Matter for Washington Renters

Receiving the proper disclosures helps you:

• Know who is responsible for repairs and safety features
• Protect your security deposit with careful documentation
• Avoid health hazards, such as mold or lead paint
• Understand your risk if your home is in a flood zone

If your landlord fails to provide one of these required disclosures, it could affect your legal rights or give you grounds to take action. You also have the right to receive these in your primary language if the lease was negotiated in that language. For more, see the Washington State Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant page.

What Should You Do If a Disclosure Is Missing?

• Ask your landlord in writing for the proper form or information.
• Save copies of all communications and documents you receive.
• If still not provided, you can contact the Washington State Attorney General’s Office or consider seeking legal advice.
• For issues related to discrimination or unsafe conditions, you may also reach out to the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

Washington’s Tenancy Laws and Where to Get Help

The governing law for residential lease agreements is the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). The main government body handling tenancy matters, such as complaints or mediations, is the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, Landlord-Tenant Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What disclosures should I expect when I sign a rental lease in Washington?
   Landlords must provide written information about who to contact for repairs, a move-in inspection checklist, mold health info, security deposit details, a smoke detector summary, and, if relevant, flood zone and lead paint disclosures.
2. What if my landlord doesn’t give me the required forms or disclosures?
   You should request them in writing. If you don’t receive them after asking, document your request and consider contacting the Washington State Attorney General’s Office or seeking legal help.
3. Is my landlord required to tell me if my rental is in a flood hazard area?
   Yes. If your home is in a FEMA-designated special flood hazard area, your landlord must give you written notice before you sign the lease or renew.
4. When is the move-in checklist required in Washington State?
   Any time the landlord collects a security or damage deposit, the checklist must be provided and signed before you move in. It details the property’s current condition.
5. Does the landlord need to provide these disclosures if I renew my lease?
   Most disclosures are required at the start of tenancy. However, if the property or contact information has changed, or if renewing in a new lease, updated disclosures should be provided.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Resources: Information, complaint forms, and tenant rights guides.
• Washington Law Help – Renting In Washington: Plain-language legal guides for renters (maintained by state legal aid).
• WA Department of Health – Mold in Homes: Tips and disclosures regarding mold safety.
• Washington State Human Rights Commission: For discrimination issues in rental housing.

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1. [1] Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)
2. [2] Washington State Attorney General – Landlord/Tenant
3. [3] WA Dept. of Health – Mold Disclosure
4. [4] EPA – Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

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