Tenants' rights

Know Your Rights

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Can I change the date my rent is due?

You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN

Can my landlord do that?

General information about what a landlord legally can and cannot do to a tenant. #6306EN

2023 changes to Washington State’s laws affecting renters

Starting July 23, Washington's laws affecting security deposits and the eviction process have changed. Read this to learn how the laws will affect renters in Washington State. #6320EN

2022 Changes to Washington State’s laws affecting tenants

Two new laws affecting tenants in Washington State went into effect in June, 2022. Landlords cannot require tenants to pay electronically (they must accept checks and money orders for rent). Also, landlords may offer tenants the option to pay a monthly fee instead of a security deposit before moving in. #6317EN

Getting your stuff back

You should read this if someone else has property that is yours and you want to get it back. This may have happened because someone took something of yours without your permission or because you let someone borrow something, but they refused to return it. #6312EN

How do I sue in Small Claims Court?

In Small Claims Court, you can sue for up to $10,000. This is meant to be a quick, cheap way to resolve a dispute you could not otherwise settle. It is not complicated. Lawyers generally cannot take part. There are no juries, motions or objections. There is only a small charge for filing a lawsuit. You can get a trial date much sooner than in other courts. Most trials last about 20 minutes. #9940EN

How to interact with your landlord to avoid legal trouble

If you are a renter having problems with your landlord, learn some tips, where to get additional legal information, and where to go if you need legal help. #6336EN

How to request a disability accommodation as a tenant

You can also use this to request an accommodation from your condo or homeowners association. #8408EN

I am a Tenant Living in a Foreclosed Property. What are My Rights?

If the place you are renting to live in has been foreclosed on, read this to learn your rights. #6122EN

I live in a manufactured/mobile home park. Can the park owner/landlord change the park rules?

If you own your mobile home but rent the space it sits on, learn more about mobile/manufactured home park rules and whether/when/how the landlord can change them. #6514EN

I live in a manufactured/mobile home park. Can the park owner/landlord raise the rent, and by that much?

If you own your mobile home but rent the space it sits on, state law lets your landlord raise the rent if they give you enough notice about it. Get the details here. #6512EN

I live in a trailer, motor home, or fifth wheel in an RV park. I pay rent for the lot. Do I have rights?

Find out when you might have additional legal rights if you live in an RV you own in a manufactured/mobile home park and you rent the lot. #6560EN

I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit as soon as possible

If you got legal papers from your landlord called a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer, read this and try to talk to a lawyer right away. #6309EN

Landlords must give a “good” reason to end certain tenancies

Learn more about how landlords can now evict or refuse to renew a rental agreement for specific reasons only. #6345EN

Landlord-Tenant Issues for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Learn about how the law can protect you if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. #6304EN

My landlord enters my rental unit without my permission

Find out what you can do if your landlord comes in and out of the rental unit, without written notice or asking permission. #6325EN

My landlord has not paid their water bill

If you live in a manufactured housing community AND are facing water shut-off because the park owner has not paid their water bill, find out what to do to protect yourself and learn what your legal rights are. #6518EN

My landlord illegally ended my tenancy or evicted me

New Washington state law expands on what a wrongful eviction is and makes clear that a court can hold a landlord liable to a tenant in such cases. #6906EN

My landlord locked me out

Find what you can do if you got locked out even if you had no intention of moving. #6316EN

My landlord shut off my utilities!

Find out what you can do if your landlord just shut off your utilities to try to force you to move. #6318EN

New protections for Tacoma renters

Learn about Tacoma's new eviction protections. #6319EN

Public housing grievance procedure

Public housing tenants: Learn more about your right to appeal many decisions or actions taken by the Housing Authority. #6105EN

Public Utilities

General information about your rights when dealing with public utilities. #0700EN

Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Tenant Grievance and Appeals Procedure

As a tenant living in an apartment complex financed by the Rural Housing Service (formerly the Farmers Home Administration), you have the right to appeal many decisions you disagree with that are made by your landlord through the agency's tenant grievance and appeals procedure. #6119EN

Tenants are protected from discrimination based on source of income

Find out how it is illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income, and what you can do if it happens to you. #6323EN

Tenants can now pay most move-in costs in installments

State law now lets tenants pay certain move-in costs on a payment plan. #6344EN

Tenants' Rights: Moving Out

If you are a tenant thinking about moving out of your rental, know your rights and responsibilities. #6371EN

Tenants’ rights: The place I’m living in has been condemned

Find out your options if your landlord has been notified that your rental home will be condemned or will be unlawful to occupy. #6384EN

Unauthorized occupants: Can I get in trouble for letting someone live in my rental?

If you rent the place where you live in Washington state, read this to learn about how to add someone to your lease and how to avoid problems with your landlord. #6380EN

What are my rights in transitional housing?

Find out when you can be evicted from and other information about transitional housing programs. #6904EN

When you have permission to live in a place but do not pay money for rent

Learn about Washington’s laws affecting people who don’t pay rent money on a regular schedule but are given permission to stay for a period of time or who get housing in exchange for doing work (but don’t pay rent). #6905EN

Your rights as a tenant in Washington State

Explains residential tenants and landlords' rights and responsibilities in Washington. #6300EN

2023 changes to Washington State’s laws affecting renters

Starting July 23, Washington's laws affecting security deposits and the eviction process have changed. Read this to learn how the laws will affect renters in Washington State. #6320EN

2022 Changes to Washington State’s laws affecting tenants

Two new laws affecting tenants in Washington State went into effect in June, 2022. Landlords cannot require tenants to pay electronically (they must accept checks and money orders for rent). Also, landlords may offer tenants the option to pay a monthly fee instead of a security deposit before moving in. #6317EN

Getting Your Security Deposit Back

Advice and instructions on how to get your security deposit back from your landlord. Learn the difference between damages the landlord can charge you for versus normal wear and tear. Includes forms you can use. #6370EN

My former landlord says I owe damages

It is important to dispute in writing damages you are not responsible for. Sample letters to the landlord included. #6372EN

Tenants can now pay most move-in costs in installments

State law now lets tenants pay certain move-in costs on a payment plan. #6344EN

Can I change the date my rent is due?

You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN

I live in a manufactured/mobile home park. Can the park owner/landlord raise the rent, and by that much?

If you own your mobile home but rent the space it sits on, state law lets your landlord raise the rent if they give you enough notice about it. Get the details here. #6512EN

I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit as soon as possible

If you got legal papers from your landlord called a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer, read this and try to talk to a lawyer right away. #6309EN

Landlords must give a “good” reason to end certain tenancies

Learn more about how landlords can now evict or refuse to renew a rental agreement for specific reasons only. #6345EN

Missing payments of late fees cannot lead to eviction

Tenants may owe late fees and other kinds of charges but cannot be evicted for not paying them if they are not "rent" or certain recurring, regular charges. #6341EN

My landlord illegally ended my tenancy or evicted me

New Washington state law expands on what a wrongful eviction is and makes clear that a court can hold a landlord liable to a tenant in such cases. #6906EN

When does my landlord have to give me a 30-day Notice to Evict instead of a shorter period of time?

If you live in a building in Washington State that has a government subsidy or a federally backed mortgage, read this. #6160EN

Landlords must give a “good” reason to end certain tenancies

Learn more about how landlords can now evict or refuse to renew a rental agreement for specific reasons only. #6345EN

Missing payments of late fees cannot lead to eviction

Tenants may owe late fees and other kinds of charges but cannot be evicted for not paying them if they are not "rent" or certain recurring, regular charges. #6341EN

My landlord illegally ended my tenancy or evicted me

New Washington state law expands on what a wrongful eviction is and makes clear that a court can hold a landlord liable to a tenant in such cases. #6906EN

What are my rights in transitional housing?

Find out when you can be evicted from and other information about transitional housing programs. #6904EN

My landlord is discriminating against me

Read this to learn what your options are. #6324EN

Tenants are protected from discrimination based on source of income

Find out how it is illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income, and what you can do if it happens to you. #6323EN

Tenant Screening: Your Rights

If you are looking for an apartment or house to rent, read this to learn about state law regarding tenant screening. #6302EN

Why your rental applications keep getting denied—and how to fix it

Find out how state law may allow you to get a court order (called an Order of Limited Dissemination) from the eviction court that stops tenant screening companies from using your eviction record when you apply for housing. #6303EN

Can I change the date my rent is due?

You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN

2022 Changes to Washington State’s laws affecting tenants

Two new laws affecting tenants in Washington State went into effect in June, 2022. Landlords cannot require tenants to pay electronically (they must accept checks and money orders for rent). Also, landlords may offer tenants the option to pay a monthly fee instead of a security deposit before moving in. #6317EN

Tenants can now pay most move-in costs in installments

State law now lets tenants pay certain move-in costs on a payment plan. #6344EN

Your rights as a tenant in Washington State

Explains residential tenants and landlords' rights and responsibilities in Washington. #6300EN

Getting Your Security Deposit Back

Advice and instructions on how to get your security deposit back from your landlord. Learn the difference between damages the landlord can charge you for versus normal wear and tear. Includes forms you can use. #6370EN

Landlord-Tenant Issues for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Learn about how the law can protect you if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. #6304EN

My former landlord says I owe damages

It is important to dispute in writing damages you are not responsible for. Sample letters to the landlord included. #6372EN

Tenants' Rights: Moving Out

If you are a tenant thinking about moving out of your rental, know your rights and responsibilities. #6371EN

Can I change the date my rent is due?

You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN

Can my landlord do that?

General information about what a landlord legally can and cannot do to a tenant. #6306EN

2023 changes to Washington State’s laws affecting renters

Starting July 23, Washington's laws affecting security deposits and the eviction process have changed. Read this to learn how the laws will affect renters in Washington State. #6320EN

Getting your stuff back

You should read this if someone else has property that is yours and you want to get it back. This may have happened because someone took something of yours without your permission or because you let someone borrow something, but they refused to return it. #6312EN

How to request a disability accommodation as a tenant

You can also use this to request an accommodation from your condo or homeowners association. #8408EN

I live in a manufactured/mobile home park. Can the park owner/landlord raise the rent, and by that much?

If you own your mobile home but rent the space it sits on, state law lets your landlord raise the rent if they give you enough notice about it. Get the details here. #6512EN

Landlord-Tenant Issues for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Learn about how the law can protect you if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. #6304EN

My landlord enters my rental unit without my permission

Find out what you can do if your landlord comes in and out of the rental unit, without written notice or asking permission. #6325EN

My landlord illegally ended my tenancy or evicted me

New Washington state law expands on what a wrongful eviction is and makes clear that a court can hold a landlord liable to a tenant in such cases. #6906EN

My landlord is discriminating against me

Read this to learn what your options are. #6324EN

My landlord locked me out

Find what you can do if you got locked out even if you had no intention of moving. #6316EN

My landlord shut off my utilities!

Find out what you can do if your landlord just shut off your utilities to try to force you to move. #6318EN

Tenants are protected from discrimination based on source of income

Find out how it is illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income, and what you can do if it happens to you. #6323EN

Tenant Screening: Your Rights

If you are looking for an apartment or house to rent, read this to learn about state law regarding tenant screening. #6302EN

Tenants: If you need repairs

Learn about a landlord's responsibility to make repairs and what you can do to enforce your right to live in a safe home. #6330EN

Tenants’ rights: The place I’m living in has been condemned

Find out your options if your landlord has been notified that your rental home will be condemned or will be unlawful to occupy. #6384EN

Why your rental applications keep getting denied—and how to fix it

Find out how state law may allow you to get a court order (called an Order of Limited Dissemination) from the eviction court that stops tenant screening companies from using your eviction record when you apply for housing. #6303EN

Tenants: If you need repairs

Learn about a landlord's responsibility to make repairs and what you can do to enforce your right to live in a safe home. #6330EN

The Warranty of Habitability: When You Rent a Place that is not Safe to Live In

The warranty of habitability is a legal concept. It holds that in renting a place to you, the landlord makes an unspoken promise (warranty) that it is safe to live in. If it turns out not to be, the landlord has violated (broken) the warranty. #6340EN

City of Aberdeen Tenants: Information about the Rental Registration and Inspection Program (RRIP)

The RRIP requires all landlords to register their properties with the City and have them inspected at least once every 3 years. #6327EN

New protections for Tacoma renters

Learn about Tacoma's new eviction protections. #6319EN

Evictions from Public Housing (Housing Owned by a Housing Authority)

If you live in a Public Housing Project, the eviction process from Public Housing is a little different from the process for tenants with private landlords. #6102EN

How to fight a denial or termination of eligibility for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) referral program for medical reasons

Learn more about this program, which provides non-cash help for people who are unable to work. #7813EN

Protecting your Section 8 Voucher

A detailed explanation of your responsibilities under the Section 8 Voucher program, and what rights you have if the Housing Authority (HA) tries to cut off your voucher. #6113EN

Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Tenant Grievance and Appeals Procedure

As a tenant living in an apartment complex financed by the Rural Housing Service (formerly the Farmers Home Administration), you have the right to appeal many decisions you disagree with that are made by your landlord through the agency's tenant grievance and appeals procedure. #6119EN

What are my rights in transitional housing?

Find out when you can be evicted from and other information about transitional housing programs. #6904EN

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