Washington · Step-by-step guide
How to sign a compliant Washington lease.
A practical walkthrough of the six things a Washington landlord must get right, in order, before and after signing.
Start My Washington Lease →1. Confirm the deposit cap
No statutory cap. Statutory cite: RCW § 59.18.260.
2. Set late-fee terms correctly
Capped at $75 (city of Seattle); state requires 5-day grace Landlords generally must allow a 5-day grace period before assessing it.
3. Plan entry notice
Give at least 48 hours' notice before entering the unit outside an emergency.
4. Give correct termination notice
20 days (tenant) / 60 days for rent increases for a month-to-month tenancy.
5. Attach every required disclosure
Lead-based paint, Mold, Fire safety, Bank holding deposit, Move-in checklist, Voter registration.
6. Return the deposit on time
30 days. Statutory cite: RCW § 59.18.260.
Washington guide FAQs
- What order should a Washington landlord follow before signing a lease?
- Confirm the deposit cap, set a compliant late fee, plan entry-notice language, set the correct termination notice, attach every required disclosure, and confirm the deposit-return timeline — in that order.
- Where can I find the full list of Washington required disclosures?
- See the full disclosure list on the Washington state page, or browse disclosure requirements by topic across all states.