How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Washington?

Generally at least 48 hours. 48 hours written notice required for general entry; 24 hours for showings. Notice must specify exact time/date or time window with phone number. Cannot abuse right to entry or use it to harass.

Can a landlord enter without notice in an emergency in Washington?

Yes. Emergencies such as fire or serious water leaks allow immediate entry without advance notice.

Can my lease waive the entry notice requirement in Washington?

Clauses granting the landlord unlimited entry without notice are a common red flag and are frequently unenforceable. Have any such clause reviewed.

Washington Landlord Entry Notice

48 hours

Washington landlords generally must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering an occupied rental unit — the FAQ below covers how the rule applies. Genuine emergencies (fire, flooding, urgent repairs) are exempt from the notice requirement.

Educational information: generated from our Washington law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How Washington compares

25 of 51 US jurisdictions set a fixed statutory minimum notice period for landlord entry; the rest apply a reasonable-notice standard or rely on custom and lease terms. Here is how Washington compares with other states in our database.

State	Landlord Entry Notice
Washington	48 hours
West Virginia	24 hours customary (no statutory minimum)
Wisconsin	12 hours
Wyoming	24 hours customary (no statutory minimum)
Alabama	48 hours

Frequently asked questions

How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Washington?: Generally at least 48 hours. 48 hours written notice required for general entry; 24 hours for showings. Notice must specify exact time/date or time window with phone number. Cannot abuse right to entry or use it to harass.
Can a landlord enter without notice in an emergency in Washington?: Yes. Emergencies such as fire or serious water leaks allow immediate entry without advance notice.
Can my lease waive the entry notice requirement in Washington?: Clauses granting the landlord unlimited entry without notice are a common red flag and are frequently unenforceable. Have any such clause reviewed.

Check Your Lease Against Washington Law

Not sure whether your lease complies with Washington law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.

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More Washington lease law guides

Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Washington for your specific situation.