Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Washington

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Washington, mainly from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, chapter 59.18 RCW. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Deposit return deadline

30 days1RCW 59.18.280(1)(a)

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out, the landlord must refund the deposit or give a full, specific written statement of reasons for keeping any of it.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

No late fee within 5 days of the due date, no cap in statute2RCW 59.18.170(2)

A landlord may not charge a late fee for rent paid within five days after it is due. The statute sets no dollar or percentage cap on the fee.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

20 days3RCW 59.18.200(1)

A tenant must give at least 20 days' written notice before the end of a monthly rental period. Service members with qualifying orders may give less.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

Only for listed causes4RCW 59.18.650

A landlord can end a month-to-month tenancy only for a reason listed in state law. Some reasons, such as the owner moving in or selling a single-family home, need at least 90 days' written notice.

Notice of a rent increase

90 days5

The landlord must give at least 90 days' written notice before raising rent.

Statewide rent limits

Lesser of 7% plus CPI or 10% a year (9.683% for 2026)6,5,7RCW 59.18.700

Since May 7, 2025, rent may not rise more than 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is less, in any 12 months, and not at all in the first 12 months of a tenancy. The cap for 2026 is 9.683%, and some housing is exempt.

Landlord entry

2 days (1 day to show the unit)8RCW 59.18.150(6)

The landlord must give at least two days' written notice with the date and time of entry, or one day to show the unit to buyers or renters. Emergencies are an exception.

Notice for unpaid rent

14 days7RCW 59.18.057

The landlord must give a 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate before filing an eviction.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. RCW 59.18.280, Washington State Legislatureofficial
  2. RCW 59.18.170, Washington State Legislatureofficial
  3. RCW 59.18.200, Washington State Legislatureofficial
  4. RCW 59.18.650, Washington State Legislatureofficial
  5. Landlord-Tenant, Washington State Office of the Attorney General, 2026-09-11official
  6. RCW 59.18.700, Washington State Legislatureofficial
  7. Chapter 59.18 RCW (full text), Washington State Legislatureofficial
  8. RCW 59.18.150, Washington State Legislatureofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.