1. Landlord/Tenant Law
The information contained in this presentation is reprinted with permission from the Attorney General Of Washington, Consumer Protection Division.

2. The Players
Tenant: Somebody who rents a house or apartment for a fixed period of time.  
Landlord: A  person that owns property that is rented to tenants.

3. Types of Agreements: Rental
Month-to-month rental agreement: An agreement for an unspecified period of time, with rent usually payable on a monthly basis.
Provides flexibility if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay
Rent or rules can be changed at any time

4. Types of Agreements: Leases
Lease: An agreement that requires a tenant to stay for a specific amount of time and restricts the landlord’s ability to change the terms.
Usually requires at least a 6 to 12 month commitment
Rent and rules stay the same for the lease period

5. The Paperwork Jungle
Be prepared! You’ll have to sign a ton of paperwork.
Keep these guidelines in mind:
Request a copy of the paperwork in advance. You can review it at your own pace.
Become familiar with rental lingo.
Read every word before you sign!
Remember: If you sign it, you’re liable for it!

6. What to Expect in Agreements
Description and length of agreement
Rental amount including due date and late fees
Landlord and tenant responsibilities
Rules and regulations
How maintenance and repairs will be handled

7. What to Expect in Agreements
When and how your rent can increase
How many people can occupy the apartment
Permission to sublet if you want to move early
Conditions if pets are allowed
What your security deposit covers and conditions for a refund
Termination and abandonment

8. What Not to Expect in Agreements
Watch out – these provisions are illegal!
Permission to enter at any time without notice (except in emergencies)
Requirement to pay for all damages to the apartment, even if not caused by you or your guests
Permission to seize your property if you fall behind in rent

9. What Not to Expect in Agreements
Watch out – these provisions are illegal!
Giving up your right to defend yourself in court
Limiting the landlord’s liability for things they’re normally responsible for

10. Landlord Responsibilities
Maintain dwelling according to code
Maintain roof, floors, chimneys, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances
Maintain dwelling in weather-tight condition
Provide garbage cans and arrange for garbage removal

11. Landlord Responsibilities
Keep common areas clean and safe
Control pests
Make repairs to unit
Inform tenant of landlord’s name and address
Provide smoke detectors
Investigate gang-related activities

12. Tenant Responsibilities
Pay rent and utilities on time
Comply with government regulations
Keep unit clean and sanitary
Dispose of garbage properly
Pay for pest control if caused by negligence

13. Tenant Responsibilities
Properly operate heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
Don’t intentionally or carelessly damage dwelling
Don’t engage in any gang-related activities
Don’t interfere with other tenants’ use of the property
Return the unit to the same condition as when you moved in

14. My Home Is My Castle (or Is It?)
Your landlord has a key and can enter your apartment.
Landlord must give at least a two-day notice to enter at reasonable times.
In case of emergency or abandonment, landlord can enter without notice.
You cannot refuse access to your unit if proper notice is given.

15. Repairs Put your request in writing Give landlord time to respond
24 hours for no hot or cold water, heat, electricity or for other hazardous or life-threatening conditions
72 hours for refrigerator, range, oven, or major plumbing problems
10 days for all other repairs

16. If Your Landlord Won’t Fix It
Tenant Options (if you’re current in rent and utilities):
Move out after giving proper notice
Go to court to force landlord to make repairs
Hire someone to make repairs and deduct from rent
Wait the required time period to allow landlord to fix problem (see previous page)
Submit good faith estimate to landlord
Contract with lowest bidder to complete work
Pay the repair person and deduct cost from rent
The total amount deducted may not be more than one month’s rent for each repair or more than two months rent in any 12-month period.
Give landlord opportunity to inspect work

17. If Your Landlord Won’t Fix It
Make the repairs yourself if it doesn’t require a licensed professional
Wait the required time period to allow landlord to fix problem
Make repairs
Deduct cost of materials and labor from rent (not to exceed one-half month’s rent or one month’s rent in a 12-month period).
Give landlord opportunity to inspect work

18. Illegal Landlord Actions (even if you’re behind in rent)
Lockouts
Utility shutoffs
Taking your property (unless you abandon it)
Renting condemned property
Retaliatory actions

19. When You Move Out
Provide written notice according to your rental or lease agreement.
Rental: Usually 20-day notice
Lease: If leaving early, you’re responsible for rent for remaining leasing term unless landlord can rent unit
Clean apartment and leave in same condition as when you moved in (except normal wear and tear)
Leave forwarding address for deposit return

20. Evictions: When You Can Be Tossed Out
Not paying rent
Even if one day late with rent
Three-day notice to pay or move out required
Not complying with terms of rental agreement
Ten-day notice to comply or move out required
For creating a waste or nuisance
Three-day notice to move out required
No option to stay to correct problem

21. Evictions: When You Can Be Tossed Out
No cause
Varies by state
Twenty-day notice required
May not be discriminatory or retaliatory
If tenant refuses to vacate, landlord can obtain court order and request sheriff to move belongings.

22. Where to Go for Help Your state Attorney General’s office
Your state Human Rights Commission
Your state Housing Department