What Is a Washington Lease Agreement?
A Washington lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a tenant and landlord. The agreement sets the expectations and legal requirements for both parties. Each state has its own landlord-tenant laws, which influence the lease agreement. Follow state laws and talk with tenants to define due dates, security deposits, and maintenance.
Washington Landlord-Tenant Law Overview
Washington’s landlord-tenant laws aim to protect the parties involved. The table below provides an overview of the limits and requirements in Washington lease agreements.
| Topic | Regulations | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | Cannot be raised more than 10%, or 7% plus the consumer price index | Washington House Bill 1217 |
| Late Fees | Cannot be more than $20 or 20% of monthly rent; whichever is greater | WA Rev Code § 19.150.150 |
| Grace Periods | 5-Days | WA Rev Code § 59.18.170 |
| Tenant Rent Withholding | Up to two months' rent if the landlord ignores maintenance requests | WA Rev Code § 59.18.100 |
| Landlord Entry | 48 hours' notice | WA Rev Code § 59.18.150 |
Washington Lease Agreements- By Type
Lease agreements apply to commercial, residential, or short-term rentals. Each document includes terms and considerations specific to the property or situation. Evaluate the different types of Washington lease agreements below to determine which form meets your needs.
Washington Standard Lease Agreement
Generates a lease contract for a living space.
Washington Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Establishes a landlord-tenant relationship and lets the landlord rent their property from month to month.
Washington Commercial Lease Agreement
A contract where a business is granted the right to occupy and use a specific property for its commercial operations.
Washington Room Rental Agreement
A formal document outlining the terms and conditions of sharing a house, including the specific rental of individual rooms.
Washington Sublease Agreement
Creates an arrangement where a tenant can rent their leased property to a subtenant.
Washington Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Renting with an option to transition to full ownership.
Washington Security Deposit Limits
Washington statutes do not have a security deposit maximum and require the landlord to provide a written receipt for payments. In addition, any deposit return should be provided to the tenant within 30 days of their move-out date. The landlord can use deposit funds for damages beyond normal wear and tear if needed. Deductions from the deposit must include copies of the invoices or estimates for repairs.
Washington Rent Payment Rules
As of May 2025, a landlord may not increase rent by more than 10%, or 7% plus the consumer price index (CPI), whichever is less, over any 12-month period. Rent cannot be raised within the first 12 months of tenancy, and the landlord must provide 90 days’ notice in writing before increasing the rent.
For late fees, the landlord must give the tenant a 5-day grace period to pay past the due date. In addition, the late fee cannot be more than whichever is greater: $20 or 20% of the monthly rent. If the landlord ignores the tenant’s request, the tenant may withhold up to two months’ rent to pay for repairs or maintenance services.
Landlord Entry Regulations in Washington
Washington also has some regulations in place to promote tenant safety and rights. If a landlord has to enter the property for maintenance, they must give 48 hours’ notice to the tenant. In an emergency, the landlord doesn’t need to provide notice. Also, the tenant has the right to add or change the locks on their rental unit at their own expense.
Washington Property Condition Requirements
Washington laws split specific duties between the landlord and the tenant. Each party agrees to fulfill its obligations to keep the property in good living condition. View the following requirements for each party:
Landlord Responsibilities:
- Keep the premises fit for human habitation
- Maintain all structural components
- Comply with Washington housing ordinances
- Keep shared areas reasonably clean and safe
Tenant Responsibilities:
- Properly use and operate all fixtures and appliances,
- Properly dispose of waste and garbage, and
- Keep their part of the premises clean and sanitary
If a landlord reasonably assumes abandonment, they can charge the lesser amount between the remaining rent or the rent accumulated between the abandonment date and the date the landlord initiates a new lease.
Required Disclosures in Washington
Washington requires landlords to provide the tenant with relevant disclosures about the rental property. These forms encourage fair agreements and open communication between the parties. Provide the following disclosures for the tenant when applicable:
Washington Lease Termination Regulations
A lease termination communicates either party’s intent to end the lease agreement. In Washington, month-to-month leases require the landlord to issue a 20-day notice to quit. Landlords must store abandoned property and notify the tenant of its disposal after seven days if it’s worth less than $250 or after 45 days if it’s worth more than $250, except for personal papers, family pictures, and keepsakes.
Sample Washington Lease Agreement
View our free sample Washington lease agreement below for proper formatting and terms. This customizable and downloadable form is available in PDF & Word formats to easily create a compliant lease.
