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The Basics (18)
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Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State
This information helps residential tenants and landlords in Washington understand their rights and responsibilities. #6300EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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A Guide for Immigrants, Limited English Persons and Their Advocates to Federally Subsidized Housing
A detailed guide for immigrants and non-English speakers to federally subsidized housing programs. Publication #8151EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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Can the Landlord Do That?
General information about what a landlord legally can and cannot do to a tenant. #6306EN Read More
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2019 Changes to Washington’s Landlord/Tenant and Eviction Laws
This is a summary of the laws affecting tenants, landlords and the eviction process. The laws changed in a major way in 2019. The changes go into effect on July 28, 2019. #6350EN Read More
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Filing a Complaint with the Utilities and Transportation Committee
If you have a dispute with your utility company, you should first try to resolve it with the company. Many disputes can be resolved by asking for a supervisor. If you are unable to resolve the issue, this web site has an online complaint form if you decide to file a complaint regarding your utility service. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Housing Discrimination & Your Civil Rights: Fair Housing Guide for Renters & Home Buyers
Describes what housing discrimination is and what you can do if it happens to you. Read More
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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 Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Somali / Soomaali
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I am a Tenant Living in a Foreclosed Property. What are My Rights?
If you rent your home, and your home was sold at a foreclosure sale, the new owner must give you 60 days’ written notice to vacate before evicting you. You must still honor the obligations of your lease or rental agreement during this 60-day time period. #6122EN Read More
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Information for Tenants
This site will help you understand Landlord-Tenant laws and provides tools and tips for renters. Read More
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Landlord/Tenant Issues for Domestic Violence Survivors
You should read this if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. You have protections under the state Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RLTA). The RLTA is in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 59.18). #6304EN Read More
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My Landlord Enters My Rental Unit Without My Permission
Read this if you are a tenant in Washington state whose landlord comes in and out of the rental unit, without written notice or asking permission. #6325EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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My Landlord Locked Me Out: What Can I Do?
Read this 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. #6316EN Read More
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My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities!
Read this if you are a tenant in Washington state whose landlord just shut off their utilities to try to force them to move. #6318EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
- Chinese / 中文
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Sexual Harassment in Housing is Illegal
Sexual harassment by landlords and property managers is illegal! Tenants in this US Dept. of Justice video bravely share their stories about being harassed in their home by landlords. Read More
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Signing a Lease: What Are These Fees?
A description of common fees you may have to pay when signing a rental lease. Read More
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Tenants: New Legal Protection from Discrimination Based on Source of Income
A new state law effective September 30, 2018 makes it illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income. #6323EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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Tenants' Rights: Moving Out
Read this if you are a tenant thinking about moving out of your rental. Know your rights and responsibilities. #6371EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Tenants' Rights: My Place has been Condemned
Read this if your landlord has been notified that your rental home will be condemned or will be unlawful to occupy. Publication #6384EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
After a Death (1)
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When a Tenant Who Lives Alone Dies
Read this if you rent your house, manufactured home, or apartment (dwelling unit) from a landlord and are the sole occupant of the dwelling unit OR someone has designated you to take care of their things in their rental unit after they die. #6301EN Read More
Deposits / Damages Claims (4)
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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 Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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I’ve Moved Out. My Former Landlord Says I Owe Damages.
It is important to dispute damages you are not responsible for in writing. Sample letters to the landlord are included for you to use. #6372EN Read More
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Letter to Landlord for Return of a Security Deposit
Do-it-yourself forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this program if you did not get or only partially got a refund of your rental security deposit from a previous landlord and wish to send a demand letter requesting that it be returned to you. Read More
Evictions about owing rent (2)
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Coronavirus: On March 27, 2020, Congress stopped evictions for not paying rent in many federally funded housing programs
Read about the Federal moratorium on evictions. For the next 180 days (6 months), a landlord may not try to evict you if you have not paid the rent in certain types of housing programs. Read More
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Letter to landlord if you cannot pay your rent due to COVID-19 (English and Spanish)
You can use this model letter to contact your landlord during the COVID-19 pandemic if you cannot pay your rent as a result of the pandemic. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Evictions from Section 8 or other subsidized housing programs (3)
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Coronavirus: On March 27, 2020, Congress stopped evictions for not paying rent in many federally funded housing programs
Read about the Federal moratorium on evictions. For the next 180 days (6 months), a landlord may not try to evict you if you have not paid the rent in certain types of housing programs. Read More
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Evictions from Public Housing (Housing Owned by a Housing Authority)
If you live in a Public Housing Project, your landlord is a Housing Authority. The eviction process from Public Housing is a little different from the process for tenants with private landlords. #6102EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Public Housing Grievance Procedure
As a public housing tenant, you have the right to appeal many decisions or actions taken by the Housing Authority through its administrative Public Housing Grievance Procedure. Every Housing Authority is required by federal law to adopt a written public housing grievance procedure. A copy of the agency's grievance procedure should be posted in their office and available upon request. #6105EN Read More
Housing Search / Denials (9)
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Housing Search
Information about how to prepare for a housing search and links to sites that list available housing units. Read More
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My Landlord is Discriminating Against Me
Read this is you are a tenant who believes that their landlord is discriminating against them. #6324EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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Public Housing Grievance Procedure
As a public housing tenant, you have the right to appeal many decisions or actions taken by the Housing Authority through its administrative Public Housing Grievance Procedure. Every Housing Authority is required by federal law to adopt a written public housing grievance procedure. A copy of the agency's grievance procedure should be posted in their office and available upon request. #6105EN Read More
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Rental Listing Scams
Moving to a new city? Planning a vacation? As you consider issues like size, cost, and location of the rental, also consider this: that rental listing could be a scam. Scammers often advertise rentals that don’t exist or aren’t available to trick people into sending money before they find out the truth. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Seattle’s Source of Income Protection Ordinance
This ordinance prohibits discrimination against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income, such as Social Security or child support to pay for their housing costs. Read FAQs about the ordinance. Read More
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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 Read More
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Tenant Screening: Your Rights
Read this if you are looking for an apartment or house to rent. This explains a state law regarding tenant screening. #6302E Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Tenants: New Legal Protection from Discrimination Based on Source of Income
A new state law effective September 30, 2018 makes it illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income. #6323EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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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
Moving In / Reading Your Lease (1)
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Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State
This information helps residential tenants and landlords in Washington understand their rights and responsibilities. #6300EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
Moving Out (5)
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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 Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
I’ve Moved Out. My Former Landlord Says I Owe Damages.
It is important to dispute damages you are not responsible for in writing. Sample letters to the landlord are included for you to use. #6372EN Read More
-
Letter to Landlord for Return of a Security Deposit
Do-it-yourself forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this program if you did not get or only partially got a refund of your rental security deposit from a previous landlord and wish to send a demand letter requesting that it be returned to you. Read More
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Video - Can I Break My Rental Agreement?
This video explains different types of rental agreements and the responsibilities of a tenant who wants to move. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Problems with Landlords (11)
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Can the Landlord Do That?
General information about what a landlord legally can and cannot do to a tenant. #6306EN Read More
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Housing Discrimination & Your Civil Rights: Fair Housing Guide for Renters & Home Buyers
Describes what housing discrimination is and what you can do if it happens to you. Read More
-
My Landlord Enters My Rental Unit Without My Permission
Read this if you are a tenant in Washington state whose landlord comes in and out of the rental unit, without written notice or asking permission. #6325EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
My Landlord is Discriminating Against Me
Read this is you are a tenant who believes that their landlord is discriminating against them. #6324EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities!
Read this if you are a tenant in Washington state whose landlord just shut off their utilities to try to force them to move. #6318EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
- Chinese / 中文
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Seattle’s Source of Income Protection Ordinance
This ordinance prohibits discrimination against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income, such as Social Security or child support to pay for their housing costs. Read FAQs about the ordinance. Read More
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Tenant Screening: Your Rights
Read this if you are looking for an apartment or house to rent. This explains a state law regarding tenant screening. #6302E Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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. Read More
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Tenants: If You Need Repairs
This 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. #6330EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Tenants: New Legal Protection from Discrimination Based on Source of Income
A new state law effective September 30, 2018 makes it illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income. #6323EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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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
Repairs / Mold / Bedbugs (5)
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Bed Bugs & Pest Infestations
Information about what to do if you have bed bugs or a pest infestation in your rental. Read More
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Mold & Indoor Air Quality
Information about a landlord's responsibilities if you have mold problems. Read More
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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. Read More
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Tenants: If You Need Repairs
This 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. #6330EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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 Read More
Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellingham, Aberdeen Tenants (8)
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Bellingham Tenants Have More Rights under New City Law
Under new Bellingham city laws, a landlord must give you 60 days' notice of a large rent increase and 60 days for a no-cause notice to vacate. #6326EN Read More
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City of Aberdeen Tenants: Information about the New 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 Read More
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City of Vancouver Month-to-Month Tenants: New Right to 60-Day Notice to Vacate
A new city ordinance (law) gives you the right to more notice from the landlord if s/he wants to end your tenancy and have you move. Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) 8.47. Read More
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City of Vancouver Tenants: New Protection against Being Turned Down for a Rental Unit
Under a new Vancouver city ordinance (law) Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) 8.45, a landlord may not refuse to rent to you based on the source of your income. #6322EN Read More
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City of Vancouver Tenants: New Right to 45-Day Notice of Your Rent Going Up
If you are a tenant (you rent your dwelling unit) in the City of Vancouver, Washington, a new city ordinance (law) gives you the right to more notice from the landlord if s/he decides to raise your rent by ten percent (10%) or more. #6320EN Read More
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Seattle’s Source of Income Protection Ordinance
This ordinance prohibits discrimination against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income, such as Social Security or child support to pay for their housing costs. Read FAQs about the ordinance. Read More
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Tacoma Rental Housing Code Flyer
On November 20, 2018, the Tacoma City Council passed the Rental Housing Code providing protections for tenants and specific guidance to landlords who operate residential rental businesses in Tacoma. The Rental Housing Code also includes a provision for housing relocation assistance to qualifying tenants and allows the City to investigate complaints and enforce the code. Read More
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Tacoma Tenants Have More Rights under New Laws
If you are a tenant (you rent the place where you live) in Tacoma, Washington, new Tacoma laws give you certain rights. This explains the laws. Read More
Section 8 and other subsidized housing (5)
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A Guide for Immigrants, Limited English Persons and Their Advocates to Federally Subsidized Housing
A detailed guide for immigrants and non-English speakers to federally subsidized housing programs. Publication #8151EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
Evictions from Public Housing (Housing Owned by a Housing Authority)
If you live in a Public Housing Project, your landlord is a Housing Authority. The eviction process from Public Housing is a little different from the process for tenants with private landlords. #6102EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
How to Fight a Denial or Termination of Eligibility for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral Program for Medical Reasons
The HEN Referral Program can provide non-cash help for people who are unable to work. You must meet the income and incapacity requirements to establish eligibility for the HEN Referral Program. This publication explains what you can do if DSHS denies or terminates your eligibility for the HEN Referral Program. Publication #7813EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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. Publication #6113EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Video - Help for Domestic Violence Victims Living in Federally Subsidized or Public Housing
Watch this video to learn your rights under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) if you live in federally subsidized housing or have a Section 8 voucher. This video covers federal laws, so the information is true no matter what state you live in. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Utilities (4)
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Filing a Complaint with the Utilities and Transportation Committee
If you have a dispute with your utility company, you should first try to resolve it with the company. Many disputes can be resolved by asking for a supervisor. If you are unable to resolve the issue, this web site has an online complaint form if you decide to file a complaint regarding your utility service. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities!
Read this if you are a tenant in Washington state whose landlord just shut off their utilities to try to force them to move. #6318EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
- Chinese / 中文
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Public Utilities
General information about your rights when dealing with public utilities. #0700EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Smart Consumer Guide: Public Utility Service
Describes consumer rights relating to telephone, natural gas, electricity and water services. Read More
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