United States · WA

Washington landlord-tenant laws.

The key statutes you need to know as a Washington landlord — deposit caps, late fees, entry notice, and required disclosures at a glance.

Security deposit

No statewide cap (Seattle caps at 1 month)

Return: 30 days

Late fees

Reasonable; 5-day grace for some localities

Entry notice

48 hours (2 days entry / 24 showing)

Termination notice

20 days (tenant) / just-cause only (landlord)

Rent control

Statewide cap (HB 1217, 2025): lesser of 7%+CPI or 10%; 9.683% for 2026

Required disclosures

Every Washington residential lease must include these disclosures where applicable. Missing required disclosures can void clauses or trigger statutory penalties.

  • Lead-based paint
  • Mold
  • Fire safety
  • Utility shutoff
  • Rent increase notice (90 days)

Notable Washington quirk

HB 1217 (2025) bars any rent increase in the first 12 months of tenancy and requires 90 days' notice thereafter.

Washington landlord law FAQ

How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Washington?

Reasonable; 5-day grace for some localities. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.

What is the security deposit limit in Washington?

No statewide cap (Seattle caps at 1 month). The deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Washington?

48 hours (2 days entry / 24 showing).

Is there rent control in Washington?

Statewide cap (HB 1217, 2025): lesser of 7%+CPI or 10%; 9.683% for 2026.

Sources

Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.

Eviction timelines in Washington

See filing fees, timelines, and estimated total costs for Washington.

View costs
Baked in

Washington-compliant leases, automatically.

TenantFort loads the right lease template with Washington deposit language, disclosures, and termination terms baked in. Screening, leases, and compliance — all in one place.

Other states