My landlord enters my rental unit without my permission

A tenant in Washington state whose landlord comes in and out of the rental unit, without written notice or asking permission.

What will you learn by reading it? 

• When a landlord can enter your rental unit without permission

• What kind of notice a landlord is supposed to give you before entering

• What to do if your landlord enters your rental unit without giving proper notice

What does the law say? 

RCW 59.18.150 states when a landlord can legally enter a rental unit and what kind of written notice the landlord must give you.

RCW 59.18.150 states a landlord can enter a rental unit without the tenant's permission in an emergency (like if a major plumbing leak might flood the whole building).

If it's not an emergency, the landlord should give you a proper written notice. The notice can be handed to you or posted on your door.  

How much notice should you get? 

Usually, the landlord must give you written notice at least 2 days in advance. But if the landlord wants to enter to show the rental unit to someone who wants to rent or buy the place in the future, the landlord must give you at least 1 day in advance. 

The written notice must state specific dates and times when the landlord wants to enter and include a phone number where you can reach the landlord if you need to negotiate for a different time.

RCW 59.18.150 says that a tenant cannot "unreasonably withhold consent."  You cannot make it impossible for the landlord to enter.

What can you do if your landlord doesn't give you proper notice?

Write a letter stating the specific times when the landlord entered without proper notice. See the sample letter below.

If your landlord improperly enters your rental unit after getting your written notice, it may be a violation of RCW 59.18.150 and you can sue your landlord later (usually in Small Claims Court) for $100.00 per violation.