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The Basics (14)
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- 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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- 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
- Lea esto en:
- English
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Cambodian / Khmer
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
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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
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- English
- 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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- English
- Laotian / ພາສາລາວ
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
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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
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- English
- 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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- English
- Russian / Pусский
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
- Chinese / 中文
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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
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- English
- 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
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- English
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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
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- English
Deposits / Damages Claims (2)
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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
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- English
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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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- English
- Russian / Pусский
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
Evictions about owing rent (1)
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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
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- English
Housing Search / Denials (4)
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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
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- English
- Russian / Pусский
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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
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- English
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
Moving Out (3)
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
-
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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
Problems with Landlords (8)
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Cambodian / Khmer
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
-
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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- 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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- 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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
- Chinese / 中文
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
-
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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
Repairs / Mold / Bedbugs (1)
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
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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
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- English
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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
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- English
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
Utilities (3)
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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
- Lea esto en:
- English
-
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
- Lea esto en:
- English
- Russian / Pусский
- Chinese / 中文
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Public Utilities
General information about your rights when dealing with public utilities. #0700EN Read More
- Lea esto en:
- English
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