Washington landlord guide

Deposit limits, entry notice, termination notice and rent increase rules for Washington, with the sources they come from.

Washington landlord-tenant rules at a glance

Security deposit limit
No statutory limit
Deposit return / claim rule
30 days
Deposit interest
Not required
Notice before entry
2 days' written notice; 1 day to show the unit to buyers or renters
Ending a month-to-month
Landlord needs just cause (RCW 59.18.650); tenant gives 20 days
Notice before a rent increase
90 days' written notice (30 days if rent is income-based)
Late fees
No late fee if rent is paid within 5 days of due date; no state cap
Rent control
Statewide cap: lesser of 7% + CPI or 10%; 9.683% for 2026

General information from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW ch. 59.18), last reviewed 2026-08-21. Not legal advice; municipal bylaws can add requirements.

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