Washington landlord-tenant law
Local rules also apply in: Seattle, Tacoma
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | Not yet verified |
| Deposit return deadline | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates o… |
| Notice to enter | At least two days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window, and entry only at reasonable times. |
| Rent increase notice | Not yet verified |
| Late fees | Not yet verified |
| Eviction notice (nonpayment) | Not yet verified |
| Rent control / state preemption | Local rent control is preempted: no city or town may regulate the amount of rent for residential rental structures, except publicly owned… |
Details & sources
Security deposit limit
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Deposit return deadline
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates or invoices) plus any refund owed.
Verified Source: RCW 59.18.280 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Notice to enter
At least two days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window, and entry only at reasonable times. One day's notice is enough to show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. No notice is needed in an emergency or if the unit is abandoned.
Verified Source: RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Rent increase notice
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Late fees
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Eviction notice (nonpayment)
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Rent control / state preemption
Local rent control is preempted: no city or town may regulate the amount of rent for residential rental structures, except publicly owned or managed properties and public-private low-income housing agreements.
Verified Source: RCW 35.21.830 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Cities in Washington with their own rules
Get law-change alerts
A short email when a state or city rule on this site changes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.