Washington Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Washington law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Washington landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Washington lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | no statewide limit (local caps in some cities) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days |
| Interest on deposits | not required |
| Landlord entry notice | 48 hours |
| Late fee cap | no statutory percentage cap |
| Rent grace period | 5 days |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 3 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 5 disclosures required |
Washington lease law guides
- Washington Security Deposit Limitno statewide limit (local caps in some cities)
- Washington Deposit Return Deadline30 days
- Washington Deposit Interest Rulesno interest required
- Washington Landlord Entry Notice48 hours
- Washington Late Fee Lawsno statutory percentage cap
- Washington Rent Grace Period5 days
- Washington Prohibited Lease Clauses3 restricted clause types
- Washington Required Disclosures5 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Washington law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
Statute citations and details for every prohibited clause in Washington →
Disclosures Washington landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Move-In Checklist
- Security Deposit Receipt
All 5 required disclosures in Washington, explained with citations →
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Washington lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?
- Washington sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, though local rules can apply — Seattle caps deposits at 1 month's rent. Conditions can apply — see the Washington security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
- Generally 30 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Washington deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Washington?
- No statewide statute requires it in Washington, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the Washington deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Washington?
- Generally at least 48 hours. Conditions can apply — see the Washington landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Washington?
- Washington sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Conditions can apply — see the Washington late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Washington?
- Washington generally provides a 5-day grace period before late fees. Conditions can apply — see the Washington rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Washington?
- Washington law restricts 3 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Washington?
- Washington requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Move-In Checklist (Comprehensive written checklist documenting condition of unit before collecting deposit); Security Deposit Receipt (Written receipt with bank name and address where deposit is held); Mold (Disclosure of known mold hazards and tenant rights regarding mold); Fire Safety (Information about fire safety and protection devices).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.