What are a tenant's rights regarding late payments?

In Washington, a tenant’s rights regarding late payments are governed by the state’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. The Act requires landlords to provide tenants with written notice of late payments. After this notice is provided, the tenant has seven days to pay the rent or they may be subject to eviction. If a tenant pays the rent after the seven-day period has elapsed, the landlord is still required to accept the rent payment. However, the landlord may charge the tenant penalties or late fees for late payments. The amount of the penalty or fee must be specified in the lease agreement. In addition, if the landlord fails to provide the tenant with a written notice of late payments, the tenant is not liable for late fees or penalties. Finally, if a tenant is having difficulty paying their rent due to financial hardship, they may be eligible for a rent deferment or repayment plan. In these situations, the tenant and the landlord should work together to create a payment plan that meets the tenant’s needs. If a tenant and landlord cannot come to an agreement, the tenant can contact their local housing authority or legal aid organization for assistance.

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What are a tenant's rights regarding late payments?

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