WASHINGTON LANDLORD TENANT LAW

- Washington and Local Agencies offering  Landlord Tenant Assistance 

Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act defines the minimum duties of landlords and tenants of residential dwellings. Chapter 59.18 RCW. These laws impose restrictions and provide remedies if one party fails to carry out a duty. The remedies include eviction, reduced rent, self-help repairs, the right to sue, and attorneys' fees to the successful party 

You may want to seek Landlord Tenant resources for legal advice, mediation or Small Claims Court (for claims under $5,000 - no attorney necessary). If your complaint involves more than $5,000, you may wish to seek a private attorney.  

- LEY de Propietarios e Inquilinos (PDF) - WA Landlord Tenant Guide - Spanish

SECURITY DEPOSIT: When a new tenant moves in, the landlord collects the security deposit. The purpose is to cover such things as cleaning or damage. The money collected may be refundable or nonrefundable. 

In the state of Washington, the landlord has 14 days after a tenant moves out to return the security deposit or give a written explanation of why it (or any part of it) was not refunded. If a landlord does not comply, the full amount of the deposit must be refunded to the tenant, regardless of any claims by the landlord that the tenant is not entitled to a refund.

Read more on Washington Security Deposits