Are landlords responsible for a tenant's damages to the rental unit?
In Washington, a landlord is generally responsible for damages to the rental unit that are caused by the tenant. This is due to the fact that the landlord is responsible for the condition of the rental unit and for repairing any damages caused by the tenant. In most cases, the tenant is required to pay for the cost of repair of any damages to the rental unit caused by their negligence or misuse. If the tenant does not, the landlord can sue for the cost of repair. The landlord can also charge the tenant for any costs associated with the repair, such as the cost of labor and materials. In some cases, the tenant may be liable for damages to the rental unit even if the damage was not caused by their negligence or misuse. This is known as “implied warranty of habitability” and is a legal concept which states that a landlord must provide a safe and livable rental unit to the tenant. If the landlord fails to do so, then the tenant may be able to recover damages from the landlord. Overall, landlords in Washington are responsible for damages to the rental unit caused by the tenant. However, they may also be liable for damages even if they are caused by the tenant’s negligence or misuse. It is important to read the lease carefully to understand what is the responsibility of the tenant and the landlord.
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