What are the laws governing landlord-tenant relations?

In Washington, landlord-tenant law is governed by the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. This law applies to most rental agreements for housing in Washington, whether the agreement is written or verbal and regardless of how much rent is being paid. The law outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, such as: - Landlords must keep their rental unit and common areas in good repair and maintain any appliances they provide. - Renters have the right to privacy and expect the landlord to respect it. - Landlords can only enter the rental unit after giving the tenant reasonable notice and for reasonable reasons. - Landlords can increase rent with 30 days written notice, but cannot increase it more than once in 12 months. - Tenants must pay rent on time and must not damage the property. - Landlords must inform the tenant if they plan to repossess the property due to non-payment of rent. - Tenants have the right to break the lease if the landlord fails to keep the property in a good and livable condition. If a landlord or tenant does not follow the law, the other party can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue, such as filing a claim or getting help from a legal aid organization or an attorney.

Related FAQs

What is a deed of trust note?
What are the disclosure requirements when I rent out property?
What are the requirements for becoming a real estate broker?
What is the role of a real estate appraiser?
What is a mortgage loan?
What is a boundary line dispute?
What is a purchase agreement?
What rights do I have when my property is subject to an eminent domain seizure?
What is a leasehold estate?
What is an easement in gross?

Related Blog Posts

What Are the Foundational Elements of Real Estate Law? - July 31, 2023
A Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Real Estate Laws - August 7, 2023
What You Should Know About Real Estate Zoning Laws - August 14, 2023
How to Overcome Legal Obstacles When Buying Real Estate - August 21, 2023
Navigating the Legal Side of Property Development - August 28, 2023