How to interact with your landlord to avoid legal trouble

Yes, if you rent the place where you live in Washington State. These tips work for a manufactured or mobile home park, apartment complex, and so on.

We designed these tips for tenants in Washington State, but they should be useful in any state.

• Keep copies of all documents, such as the rental agreement, park rules, any notices or letters from the landlord, and anything you send the landlord.

• Make written or typed notes of important conversations with the landlord. Note dates, what you talked about, who was there, and what exactly you each said.

• Follow up on important conversations. Send the landlord a letter repeating what you each said and/or any agreements you made. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.

• Send your landlord any documents or notices by both regular and certified mail, return receipt requested. Then you will have proof of mailing.

• Never pay rent or other payments in cash unless you hand it directly to the landlord and immediately get a written receipt.

• Ask for and keep receipts of all payments to the landlord.

• Keep all these documents in a safe place.