The tenant has a right to quiet enjoyment of the demised premises. Nevertheless, the landlord has a right to
reenter the premises for certain specified reasons. These include entry in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or
agreed repairs, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective
or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors. The landlord’s requests to enter for these reasons
are not to be unreasonably refused. RCW 59.18.150(1).
Except in cases of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so the landlord is to give at least two days notice and only
for such times of day as are reasonable. RCW 59.18.150(5). The landlord need only give one day’s notice of intent to exhibit to prospective or actual purchasers or tenants.
RCW 59.18.150(5). The landlord must not abuse the right of access, use it to harass the tenant, or unreasonably interfere with the tenant’s
quiet enjoyment by excessively exhibiting the unit. RCW 59.18.150(5).
The landlord has no right of access except by court order, arbitration, or consent. Nevertheless, in the event of an emergency
or abandonment, the landlord may dispense with the notice requirement. RCW 59.18.150 (4). The landlord should be careful with abandonment cases, as abandonment must be clear and unequivocal.
Both landlords and tenants should keep careful records of all such requests and refusals. If either side violates these
provisions, the other side may serve the other with written notice of the violations detailing the dates and times of the
violations. If the violations continue the aggrieved is entitled to up to one hundred dollars for each violation after receipt
of the notice and costs including a reasonable attorney’s fee. A notice that also mentions the penalties for continued
noncompliance will likely resolve the issue. RCW 59.18.150(7).
