Washington State Renters' Rights

Landlord Responsibilities

• Maintain the dwelling so it does not violate state and local codes in ways which endanger the tenant's health and safety.

• Maintain structural components, such as roofs, floors and chimneys, in reasonably good repair.

• Maintain the dwelling in reasonably weather-tight condition.

• Provide reasonably adequate locks and keys.

• Provide the necessary facilities to supply heat, electricity and hot and cold water.

• Provide garbage cans and arrange for removal of garbage, except in single family dwellings.

• Keep common areas, such as lobbies, stairways and halls, reasonably clean and free from hazards.

• Control pests before the tenant moves in. The landlord must continue to control infestations except in single family dwellings, or when the infestation was caused by the tenant.

• Make repairs to keep the unit in the same condition as when the tenant moved in (except for normal wear and tear).

• Keep electrical, plumbing and heating systems in good repair, and maintain any appliances which are provided with the rental.

• Inform the tenant of the name and address of the landlord or landlord's agent.

• Set water heaters at 120 ° when a new tenant moves in.

• Provide smoke detectors, and ensure they work properly when a new tenant moves in. (Tenants are responsible for maintaining detectors.)

• Investigate whether a tenant is engaging in gang-related activity when another tenant notifies the landlord of gang-related activity by serving a written notice and investigation demand to the landlord. 

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Information taken from RCW 59.18 (Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act)

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