Washington State Landlord-Tenant Housing Rights

Washington State Bar Association, Apr 12, 2007

Various federal, state and local laws and ordinances protect housing rights. The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 makes it illegal for a landlord to discriminate because of a person's race, sex, national origin or religion. Some local laws forbid discrimination against unmarried persons, children, homosexuals, disabled persons or others.

Washington has a Residential Landlord-Tenant Act which defines the minimum duties of landlords and tenants of residential dwellings. These laws also impose certain restrictions and provide remedies if one party fails to carry out a duty. The remedies include eviction, reduced rent, self-help repairs, the right to sue for money damages, and an award of attorneys' fees to the successful party. Generally, the provisions of the act may not be waived by the landlord or tenant.

Housing codes and other local ordinances have also been enacted in many communities to set minimum standards for living conditions and to further regulate landlords' and tenants' rights and duties. For example, the City of Seattle requires disclosure of specific information and prohibits certain lease provisions. For information on local ordinances, contact the city council, city attorney or other official where you live.

Landlords and tenants of mobile homes are subject to the rules of the Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act; a summary of this act is available from the state Attorney Generals' office.