Free Washington Residential Lease/Rental Agreement

All lease agreements must contain certain information that is specifically mandated by Federal law, such as:

1. The names and contact information of landlord and tenant,
2. The premises address,
3. Any pet regulations,
4. Health, pest, and other hazard disclosures,
5. The amount of security deposit and rent due
6. The location and date of where and when the rent is to be paid

Not all states will have the same rental and leasing requirements, and they will often differ on some important issues.

It is suggested that you familiarize yourself with Washington’s specific requirements to help create a comprehensive Lease and Rental Agreement to best protect your legal and financial rights.

Other Washington Real Estate documents you might be interested in are:

• Sublease Agreement –  Used by a tenant to rent out all or part of their rented property to a new tenant.
• Eviction Notice – Used by a landlord to start the eviction process with a current tenant.

Table of Contents

• Washington State Residential Lease Agreement Sample
• Washington State Landlord and Tenant Laws

1. Washington State Residential Lease Agreement Sample

The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Bernard Shane and “Tenant” Rosemary Uttgard. He agrees to rent a room in Seattle for $650.00 per month for a fixed term. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises.

This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.

2. Washington State Landlord and Tenant Laws

Washington imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a Lease/Rental Agreement. For example, Washington statute provides for the following:

Security Deposit:

1. A landlord is unrestricted in how much they may request as a security deposit from the tenant. (No statute)

Landlord Right of Entry:

1. Forty-eight (48) hours notice is required by the landlord before entering the premises. (RCW § 59.18.150)

Additionally, Washington law requires:

Utilities:

1. When a landlord shuts off utilities, they will be obligated to pay actual damages along with $100/day and attorney’s costs.

Squatters:

1. Where the tenant is unapproved by the landlord, they will be liable for rent for the time occupied and must immediately return possession of the premises to the owner at any demand. (RCW § 59.04.050)

Seattle Requirements:

1. Landlords are required to include Washington Statute and the Seattle Laws on Property Owner and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities as addendums to the lease.