RHAWA forms are specifically tailored to state and city laws that are unique to Washington, are regularly updated as laws change, and are reviewed by a team of experienced landlord-tenant lawyers and attorneys. It is important that you read a lease very carefully before signing it. This is a legally binding contract, and you may be bound by any rental terms once you have signed the document, as long as they do not conflict with state or local laws. If a landlord intentionally includes this type of language in the lease knowing that it is prohibited, the tenant can claim up to $500 in fines, damages, court costs and attorneys` fees. A number of local agencies offer information about landlords and tenants. Step 2 – Duration – Enter the following information about the duration of this agreement: Here are a number of questions you can ask the landlord before signing a lease: Lead-based paint – Federal law that requires all owners of properties built before 1978 to communicate with their tenants as it is likely that there is lead paint inside the walls, which is dangerous and has been used during this period. In accordance with § 59.18.150, the owner must enter the property at least two (2) days in advance for maintenance or repair and one (1) day if he wishes to show the property to another potential tenant or potential buyer. The Washington Standard Residential Lease Agreement is a simple but comprehensive legal document. The agreement contains all the written information necessary for the conclusion of an agreement that is beneficial and protective for both parties.

In addition, it contains all the general conditions so that the tenant understands what is expected of him when renting. Tenants should read carefully to accept all sections of the document before entering their signature(s). If at some point tenants are unsure of what they are signing, they may consider talking to a lawyer to make sure they understand the document they are signing. The Attorney General`s Office does not deal with complaints about matters related to the Landlord-Tenants Act. Here is a list of resources that can help you resolve issues with the landlord/tenant of residential buildings: Notice of Termination form used to send a landlord or tenant their intention to cancel a monthly agreement with the correct notice period, twenty (20) days, as provided for in RCW 59.18.200. A landlord cannot change any aspect of a lease during the period unless mutually agreed. Therefore, the rent is set during the rental period. However, with monthly rentals, landlords can change rental rules more easily. Indeed, the landlord is only required to terminate tenants in writing for 30 days to change a rental term, but must notify 60 days in writing for each rent increase (RCW 59.18.140). The City of Seattle has a law under which a tenant is entitled to 60 days` written notice for an increase of 10% or more over a 12-month period (SMC 7.24,030). RHAWA`s industry-leading forms library includes more than 80 forms, including our lease application, Washington State and city-specific lease agreements, and various rental addenda for each situation.

When you start looking for an apartment, make a list of all the questions you have. Don`t be afraid to talk to other tenants or ask questions about the neighborhood, nearest shopping malls, bus lines, or visible damage to the unit. You can also talk to other residents of the building to find out what they like and what they don`t like to experience there. You can gather information about the experiences of other tenants in the building by searching for it under Apartment Reviews. Below is a detailed list of questions you can ask a potential homeowner. Subletting – For the act of a tenant who re-rents his space in agreement with the owner. Also known as “subletting”. Owner/Broker ID (§ 59.18.060) – The landlord must inform the tenant of the person authorized to enter the property, including the legal address for notices. If the information is not included in the rental agreement, it must be clearly displayed on the premises.

NOTE: If the owner does not reside in Washington State, they must choose an agent who resides in the county for all communications. Deposit receipt (§ 59.18.270) – The landlord must provide the name and address of the banking institution where the funds are to be kept in the tenant`s name. In addition, the landlord must provide the conditions for holding and distributing the funds. *Fire protection and evacuation (§ 59.18.060) – At the beginning of the rental period, the landlord must provide the tenant with a copy of a fire protection/safety information, including an evacuation plan. This should include whether the property has a smoking policy, an emergency notification plan, and routes to leave the building in the event of a fire. Click here to expand on each section below. To access any form, you will be asked to log in to your member account. If you are not currently a member and would like to access this forms library, please register as an RPO member. Members of the inhabited housing community, see Baux and CMH forms. Mold (§ 59.18.060) – At the time of signing, the landlord must provide the tenant with information about the dangers of mold as provided by the Ministry of Health. If a lease contains a section or language that attempts to waive your rights as defined in the Landlord and Tenant Act, that particular section will be deemed unenforceable. The rest of the lease is still valid.

No lease can waive your rights or remedies, require you to pay attorneys` fees that are not authorized by law, indemnify the landlord for the costs they incur, or create a lien on the tenant`s property. Read the wording of the law for a complete list. Rental application – Used by the landlord to verify the employment, background and financial details of the requesting tenant. Non-refundable fees (§ 59.18.285) – If non-refundable fees are to be charged by the owner, it must be clearly stated that the fee is non-refundable. Washington State leases are drafted for the use of landlord-tenant relationships in accordance with state laws (TITLE 59 OF THE RCW). The basis of all contracts is that a landlord is looking for a party to occupy their space for a monthly rent. There are also other terms and conditions, for example. B who pays for what utilities and expenses, as well as guidelines for common areas (if applicable), smoking, pets, etc. Catholic Community Services, Legal Action Center Website (206) 324-6890 Maximum – No state cap. The owner can charge as much as desired. Spokane: Northwest Mediation Center (509) 456-0103 www.nwmediationcenter.com Return (§ 59.18.280) – The landlord must return all funds associated with the deposit within twenty-one (21) days of the tenant`s departure. Move-in checklist (§ 59.18.260) – The landlord is required to provide the tenant with a move-in checklist if a deposit is charged.

If no checklist is provided, the tenant is entitled to their entire deposit, regardless of the circumstances. Statutes – Chapter 59.18 RCW (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) Instructions: Forms may be printed and completed in writing, OR downloaded and completed to your computer. King County: King County Bar Association Housing Justice Project (206) 267-7090 Website There are a number of local organizations that provide dispute resolution services: If you have any questions about the resources listed on this page, contact our Consumer Resource Center: Call centers are open from M-F 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. King County: King County Dispute Resolution Center (206) 443-9603 www.kcdrc.org Room Rental (Roommate) Agreement – For people living in a joint agreement to recognize common rules in the property. Manual – Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State (PDF) Island County: Snohomish, Island and Skagit County Dispute Resolution Center 1-800-280-4770 Website RHAWA forms are copyrighted and intended for members only. Unauthorized use, publication or distribution is strictly prohibited. Formal legal advice and review is recommended before selecting and using any of the forms provided.

RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of a form appropriate to your particular situation. Rental property owners/managers and tenants are advised to seek independent legal advice on matters arising from the use of any form. No assurance is given as to the sufficiency or tax consequences of using any form. Pierce County: Pierce County Dispute Resolution Center (253) 572-3657 www.pccdr.org Step 6 – Sections titled – Tenants must read and accept the other sections as follows: Under “Languages other than English”, select the desired language, click the search button and a list of lawyers who speak that language and their location will be displayed.