What are tenant rights in Washington?

Washington tenant rights are governed by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA), RCW Chapter 59.18.

1. Security Deposit — No statewide cap (Seattle and other cities cap deposits and limit move-in fees). RCW § 59.18.280 requires a written checklist at move-in for any deposit and return within 30 days with itemized accounting.

2. Just Cause Eviction — RCW § 59.18.650 (effective 2021) requires landlords to state one of 16 enumerated 'just causes' to terminate any tenancy, eliminating no-cause evictions statewide. Just causes include nonpayment, lease breach, owner move-in, and substantial rehabilitation.

3. Habitability — RCW § 59.18.060 requires landlords to maintain the structure, common areas, plumbing, heating, electrical, hot/cold water, garbage receptacles, and pest control; comply with building, fire, health, and safety codes; and provide locks and smoke detectors.

4. Tenant Remedies — RCW § 59.18.100-115 provide repair-and-deduct (capped at 1-2 months' rent depending on remedy), rent escrow, and lease termination.

5. Notice for Entry — RCW § 59.18.150 requires 2 days' written notice for non-emergency entry, 1 day for showings.

6. Eviction Notice — RCW § 59.12.030 / § 59.18.057 requires a 14-day pay-or-quit notice for nonpayment (extended from 3 days in 2019). 10-day notice for lease violations; 3-day notice for nuisance or waste.

7. Rent Increases — RCW § 59.18.140 requires 60 days' written notice for rent increases. The 2024 HB 2114 (varies — check current law) has imposed caps in some markets.

8. Discrimination — Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW § 49.60) prohibits discrimination on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, military status, and many other categories.

9. Retaliation — RCW § 59.18.240 prohibits retaliation for 90 days after tenant exercises rights.

This is legal information, not legal advice.