How much notice is required to raise rent in Washington?
60 days notice
- 60 days written notice required
- No statewide rent control
- Just cause eviction required
Legal basis: RCW § 59.18.140
Know your rights as a renter in Washington. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Washington law.
Legal basis: Washington landlord-tenant law — Revised Code of Washington
30
Days to Return Deposit
No statewide limit
Max Deposit
2 days
Entry Notice
Not Required
Deposit Escrow
What Washington law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
No statewide limit
Return Deadline
30 days
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Washington law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
Landlord may owe up to double the deposit amount if they fail to return or provide an itemized statement.
Interest on your deposit is not required
Grace period
5-day grace period required — RCW 59.18.170 prohibits charging a late fee for rent paid within 5 days after its due date
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
2 days
RCW 59.18.150(6) — 2 DAYS, not hours
In Washington, your landlord must provide proper notice before entering your rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. This protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
60 days notice
Legal basis: RCW § 59.18.140
10 days
Legal basis: RCW § 59.18.070
90 days protected
Legal basis: RCW § 59.18.250
Early termination
Legal basis: RCW § 59.18.575
Self-help illegal
Legal basis: RCW § 59.18.290
Important facts about Washington rental law
Washington has no statewide limit on security deposits.
Washington landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out.
Washington requires landlords to provide a detailed move-in checklist.
Seattle tenants have additional protections including 'just cause' eviction rules.
Common questions about Washington tenant rights
Washington does not have a statutory limit on security deposits.
Washington landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after you move out.
In Washington, landlords must provide 2 days notice before entering your rental unit (RCW 59.18.150(6) — 2 DAYS, not hours).
Late fees in Washington: No statutory cap — must be reasonable. State law provides a 5-day grace period before a late fee can apply.
60 days notice. 60 days written notice required. No statewide rent control. Just cause eviction required. Source: RCW § 59.18.140.
10 days. Landlord must maintain habitability. 10 days to repair. Repair and deduct available. Source: RCW § 59.18.070.
90 days protected. Strong protections. 90 day protection period. Cannot raise rent in retaliation. Source: RCW § 59.18.250.
Early termination. Can terminate early. Documentation required. No penalty. Source: RCW § 59.18.575.
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Strong protections. Source: RCW § 59.18.290.
Washington tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey™ to analyze your specific lease against Washington law.
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