How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?

Washington sets no statewide cap on the security deposit amount; some cities impose one. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280).

Is there a limit on late fees in Washington?

Washington sets no statewide late-fee cap; some cities do. The fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Washington?

Landlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, or 1 day before showing the unit. (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150)

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Washington?

Tenant must give 20 days' notice; a landlord generally must have cause and give at least 60 days' notice. (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.200)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Washington?

Tenant has 14 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file an unlawful detainer. (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.030(3)) The case is filed as an unlawful detainer in Superior Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Washington?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Washington tenancies are governed by the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Washington with the statutory citations printed in it.

Washington Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Washington has to respect the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act: no statutory ceiling on the security deposit, accounted for within 30 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Washington tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Washington rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Washington lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Washington landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Washington	Citation
Security deposit limit	No statutory limitWashington sets no statewide cap on the security deposit amount; some cities impose one.	No statute on point
Deposit return deadline	30 daysLandlord must return the deposit with a full and specific statement of deductions within 30 days after the tenancy ends.	Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280
Interest on deposits	Not requiredWashington does not require interest be paid to the tenant on security deposits.	Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.270
Late fee limit	No statutory limitWashington sets no statewide late-fee cap; some cities do. The fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	5 daysA landlord may not charge a late fee until rent is 5 days past due.	Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.170
Notice to pay or quit	14 daysTenant has 14 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file an unlawful detainer.	Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.030(3)
Time to cure a lease violation	10 daysTenant generally has 10 days to remedy a curable lease violation.	Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.030(4)
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	20 days' noticeTenant must give 20 days' notice; a landlord generally must have cause and give at least 60 days' notice.	Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.200
Notice before landlord entry	48 hoursLandlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, or 1 day before showing the unit.	Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150

Disclosures a Washington lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978
Mold Information Disclosure
Landlord has provided Tenant with the informational brochure on mold prepared by the Washington State Department of Health.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.060(12)
Fire Safety and Evacuation Disclosure
Landlord has provided Tenant with information about the building's fire safety and protection devices and the emergency evacuation plan.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.060(13)

If things go wrong in Washington

Where eviction is filed

Superior Court, as an unlawful detainer.

Governing law

Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, cited from the Revised Code of Washington.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Washington lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?: Washington sets no statewide cap on the security deposit amount; some cities impose one. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280).
Is there a limit on late fees in Washington?: Washington sets no statewide late-fee cap; some cities do. The fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Washington?: Landlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, or 1 day before showing the unit. (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150)
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Washington?: Tenant must give 20 days' notice; a landlord generally must have cause and give at least 60 days' notice. (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.200)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Washington?: Tenant has 14 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file an unlawful detainer. (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.030(3)) The case is filed as an unlawful detainer in Superior Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Washington?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Washington tenancies are governed by the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Washington with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Washington lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Washington lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Washington law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Washington attorney review your lease before you rely on it.