Tenant's rights

Legal Information

In this section of Washington LawHelp you will find general information, self-help packets and resources on tenant's rights in Washington state.

• Video - Tenants, Landlords & the Laws of Washington State

  A video series about the basic rights and responsibilities of landlords and residential tenants in Washington State. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State

  6300EN - This publication was written to help residential tenants and landlords in Washington understand their rights and responsibilities. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Russian / Pусский

  Spanish / Español

• Basic Information for Tenants

  Just as important as knowing the law is knowing how to use it to protect yourself as a renter. With a few exceptions, landlord-tenant laws are considered "self help" - it is up to individual tenants to get their rights enforced. Read More

  By:

  Solid Ground

• Model Documents for Landlords and Tenants in Seattle

  Documents include, Basics of Landlord-Tenant Laws for Seattleites, Guide to Damages and Normal Wear and Tear, Model Lease Move in/out Inspection Checklist, Security Deposit Timeline and Tenant Request for Repair Content Detail

  By:

  Columbia Legal Services

  Read this in:

  Korean / 한국어

  Tigrina / Ge'ez

  Cambodian / Khmer

  Thai / ภาษาไทย

  Laotian / ພາສາລາວ

  Chinese / 中文

  Tagalog / Tagalog

  Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

  Somali / Soomaali

  Oromo / Afaan Oromo

  Russian / Pусский

  Spanish / Español

  Amharic / Amharic

• Video - An In-Depth Look at Tenant Screening in Washington State

  This video describes how modern computer information systems and the business practices of residential screening companies have created a host of problems for people seeking rental housing in Washington State. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Video - A Quick Look at Tenant Screening in Washington State

  This video is a quick overview of the screening process and what it means for rental applicants in Washington. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Video - Washington State's New Fair Tenant Screening Act

  This video explains Washington's new Fair Tenant Screening Act, which requires landlords to give rental applicants important information in writing before conducting a background screen. The law also limits the amount and manner in which the landlord can charge rental applicants for the screening process. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• New State Law: What the Landlord Must Tell You about Tenant Screening

  6302EN - Read this publication if you are looking for an apartment or house to rent. This publication explains a new state law regarding tenant screening. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Your Rights - the Tenants Union Help Center

  Information on tenant's rights, housing discrimination, rent increases, breaking your lease, etc. Content Detail

  By:

  Tenants Union

• Landlord/Tenant Issues For Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and/or Stalking PDF

  6304EN - Tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking now have increased protection under the Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RLTA). The RLTA is found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 59.18). The law applies only to the rental of residential premises such as an apartment or house, or where both the mobile home and the space are rented in a mobile home park. Content Detail

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Rental Agreements

  Lots of information about the different types of rental agreements, the law and breaking a rental agreement. Content Detail

  By:

  Solid Ground

• Tenant Services: Repairs

  State law outlines landlords' obligations to keep your unit safe and livable. Landlords must also maintain their units to comply with all local codes that govern housing quality. Content Detail

  By:

  Solid Ground

• My Landlord Locked Me Out: What Can I Do?

  6316EN - Read this publication if you rent an apartment or house and your landlord changed the locks so that you cannot get into your place and you had no plans to move. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Tenants: What to do if Your Rental Needs Repairs

  6330EN - This publication provides information on a landlord's responsibility to make repairs and what you can do to enforce your right to live in a safe home. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Can I Get My Security Deposit Back?

  6370EN - This publication gives step-by-step instructions on how to prepare to get your security deposit back and what to do if your landlord does not return your deposit. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español