What should a tenant do if they are in dispute with a landlord?

If a tenant in Washington is in dispute with their landlord, the first step should be to have a conversation with the landlord to try and resolve the dispute. If the tenant is unable to reach an agreement with the landlord, they should ensure they have kept thorough records of all communication with their landlord. These records can be used in court or mediation if the dispute is taken to either of those avenues. The tenant should also make sure they are familiar with their rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Washington. A tenant in Washington is protected under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act which sets out the standards of behavior tenants must adhere to, as well as the rights they can expect to receive from their landlord. If the tenant is still unable to resolve their dispute with the landlord, they can seek assistance from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or a tenant’s rights organization. Organizations such as these can offer guidance on how best to proceed with the dispute. A tenant can also contact a lawyer for legal advice. Finally, if the dispute is not resolved through any of these methods, the tenant can file a lawsuit against their landlord in order to have the dispute settled in court. It is important for the tenant to keep detailed records of the dispute in order to provide evidence to support their case in court.

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What should a tenant do if they are in dispute with a landlord?

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