Washington Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

No statutory limit on deposit amount. Must be returned within 30 days (21 days effective 2023). Itemized statement required. Written rental agreement must specify deposit terms. Move-in checklist required.

Month-to-month requires 60 days written notice from landlord (20 days from tenant). Just cause required for termination in most cases. Lease violation: 10-day notice to cure.

Nonpayment: 14-day notice to pay or vacate. Lease violation: 10-day notice to cure. Just cause eviction required statewide. Court filing for unlawful detainer.

No statutory cap on late fee amount. Grace period of at least 5 days required. Late fee must be specified in rental agreement. Courts may review for reasonableness.

Fixed-term ends per lease. Month-to-month: landlord 60 days, tenant 20 days. Just cause required for all terminations. Strong tenant protections. Early termination for military, DV.

No statewide rent control cap, but 60 days written notice required for any increase. Some localities (Seattle, Tacoma) have additional protections. Cannot increase during fixed-term.

Landlord must maintain premises in habitable condition, comply with building codes, provide weatherproofing, plumbing, heat, electricity, and pest control. Tenant may repair and deduct.

Landlord must give at least 2 days notice before entry (48 hours). Entry at reasonable times. Emergency entry without notice. Written notice required.

Washington Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and use of service animal.