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Washington lease rules, from the official sources.
Washington's rules sit in the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and the Attorney General does the rest of the work: landlord-tenant guidance, the statutory pay-or-vacate notice, the mold information every tenant has to be given, and the disclosure you need if you charge a fee instead of a security deposit. There is also a rent stabilization flyer written for landlords rather than for renters.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and some cities and counties add their own rules. Check the official sources below, or talk to a local attorney, before you act on it.
- Washington landlord-tenant law and guideLinks to the state's own sources
- Washington official forms and disclosures2 from the state
- Federal lead-based paint disclosureRequired for homes built before 1978
- Free DigitalTenant formsOur lease template, move-in inspection and more
The official Washington sources
Straight from the state, its courts or the federal government. Nothing here is written or hosted by us.
What to look up in the Washington rules
These are the things landlords most often get wrong. Every state handles them a little differently, so check the Washington law and guide above for the exact rule.
How much you can ask for, where it's held, and how long you have to return it.
What a security deposit coversWhether there's a limit on late fees, and whether rent has a grace period.
How late fees workHow much notice you need to give before you go in for repairs or a showing.
notice to enter formHow much notice either side has to give, and what happens if a tenant stays past the end date.
How a notice to vacate worksNotices you must hand over at signing. Homes built before 1978 also need the federal lead paint disclosure.
Lead-based paint disclosureThese links go to outside government websites. DigitalTenant doesn't write or host these documents, and this page isn't legal advice. Laws change, so check the source, and talk to a local attorney if you're unsure.
Write your Washington lease in DigitalTenant.
Build the lease, add pets and vehicles, and send it for e-signature from one account. Property Lite is free up to 3 units.