The information on this page regards landlord-tenant law only in the state of Washington. Even for Washington, while we strive to keep the content of this website current, the law changes and the content of this page may not be up to date. Also, the information is general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice about your circumstances.
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).