Washington Standard Residential Lease Agreement
The Washington Standard Residential Lease Agreement establishes the details regarding a contract in which a livable property is rented to one or more tenant(s) for a period of one (1) year. The contract is solely for properties that will be lived in; for business purposes, a commercial lease should be used.
The agreement is used to establish the rights of both parties, such as the landlord’s right to enter the property, evict for nonpayment of rent, and enforce the conditions of the lease. Rights afforded to tenants include the right to have clean hot water, a safe premises, the right to withhold rent (permitted in WA so long § 59.18.115 is followed), and right to enjoy their lifestyle (with the exception of smoking, if it is forbidden in the lease).
Tenant Screening: Washington Rental Application
State Laws
Laws: Title 59 RCW “Landlord and Tenant”
Maximum Security Deposit: No statute.
Returning Security Deposits (§ 59.18.280): Starting at the official termination of the lease and vacation of the premises or after the tenant(s) abandon the property, landlords have twenty-one days to return rental deposits to the tenant(s). If deductions are to be made from a deposit, a written list of all deductions (and the reasoning for their deduction) must be delivered to the tenant(s).
Notice Required before Entry (§ 59.18.150(6)): With the exception of emergencies, landlords need to provide tenants with a minimum of two (2) days notice prior to entering their rental. Entry should only be made at reasonable times.