What are the laws governing the inspection of rental units?
In Washington, landlords and tenants must adhere to the laws governing the inspection of rental units. The landlord has the right to inspect the rental unit at reasonable times, usually with at least 24 hours of notice. During an inspection, the landlord may check for any damages or any items that were not included in the rental agreement such as furniture or appliances. The landlord should not interfere unnecessarily with the tenant’s right to privacy. The tenant also has the right to inspect the rental unit as part of the move-in process. This is the tenant’s right to verify the condition of the rental unit prior to occupancy and to raise any issues before signing the rental agreement. The landlord should provide the tenant with a report, known as a “Condition Report” or “Move-in Inspection Report”, detailing the existing condition of the unit. The tenant should confirm the accuracy of the report by signing it. The landlord is also required to conduct regular inspections of the rental unit in order to ensure that it remains in good condition and that all building codes are met. The landlord should also make sure that the tenant is complying with the terms of the rental agreement. These inspections should be conducted with reasonable notice and then documented with a written report. If either the landlord or tenant fails to follow the laws governing the inspection of rental units, a court of law can order a remedy for the violation.
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