What are a landlord's duties in Washington?

Q: What is the most important responsibility of a landlord?

The most important responsibility of a landlord is to provide a safe and habitable living environment for tenants. This includes maintaining the property, addressing repairs promptly, and ensuring compliance with health and safety codes. Fulfilling this duty is essential for tenant well-being and legal compliance.

Full question:

I have rented out an apartment in Washington. What are my duties as a landlord?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Washington

Answer:

In Washington, landlords have several important duties to their tenants, as outlined in the Annotated Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.060. These duties include:

Keeping the premises fit for human habitation and maintaining compliance with applicable codes and regulations that affect tenant health and safety.
Maintaining structural components (like roofs, walls, and foundations) in good repair.
Keeping shared or common areas clean, sanitary, and safe.
Controlling infestations of pests, except when caused by the tenant.
Making necessary repairs to maintain the premises in the condition specified in the rental agreement.
Providing adequate locks and keys to the tenant.
Safeguarding any master or duplicate keys.
Maintaining all provided electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities in working order.
Keeping the dwelling unit weathertight.
Providing appropriate receptacles for waste and arranging for regular waste removal.
Ensuring adequate heating and hot water facilities.
Providing tenants with written fire safety information, including details about smoke detectors and emergency plans.
Providing information on health hazards related to indoor mold and how to control it.
Designating the landlord's name and address in the rental agreement and notifying tenants of any changes.

Landlords are not responsible for repairs caused by tenant actions or for issues arising from tenant neglect in allowing access for repairs. These responsibilities help ensure a safe and habitable living environment for tenants.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What can a landlord not do in Washington state?

In Washington, landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as reporting health and safety violations. They also cannot lock out tenants without a court order or refuse to make necessary repairs. Additionally, landlords must respect tenants' privacy and cannot enter the rental unit without proper notice, except in emergencies. Violating these rules can lead to legal consequences for the landlord.

What are the new rent laws in Washington state?

Recent changes in Washington state rent laws include limits on rent increases, which cannot exceed 3% plus the rate of inflation or 7% total in a 12-month period, whichever is lower. Additionally, landlords must provide at least 60 days' notice before a rent increase. These laws aim to protect tenants from sudden and excessive rent hikes while ensuring landlords can maintain their properties.

What are the obligations of a landlord in WA?

Landlords in Washington have several obligations, including maintaining the property in a habitable condition, making necessary repairs, and ensuring health and safety standards are met. They must also provide adequate waste disposal and heating facilities, as well as inform tenants about fire safety and mold hazards. These responsibilities help create a safe living environment for tenants.

What is the most important responsibility of a landlord?

What is the new Washington landlord-tenant law?

The new Washington landlord-tenant law includes provisions that limit rent increases and enhance tenant protections. For example, landlords must now give 60 days' notice for rent hikes and cannot increase rent beyond a certain percentage. These changes aim to improve housing stability and protect tenants from sudden financial burdens.