Washington state imposes a comprehensive list of mandatory disclosures on residential landlords under the primary authority of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). Failing to provide these disclosures can result in severe consequences, including the inability to retain security deposits, liability for tenant damages, and potential enforcement actions in Washington Superior Courts.

1. The Move-In Condition Checklist (Mandatory)

Under RCW 59.18.260, at the start of the tenancy, the landlord must provide the tenant with a detailed written checklist or statement of the present condition of the premises and furnishings, including, but not limited to, walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, appliances, and landscaping. This checklist or statement must specifically describe any damage and defects existing in the premises at the commencement of the tenancy. Both the landlord and tenant must sign the checklist or statement, and both parties must retain copies. The tenant has the right to inspect the premises to ascertain the accuracy of the checklist or statement before signing. Without a properly executed move-in checklist or statement, the landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion of the security deposit for damages to the premises.

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2. Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

For properties built before 1978, Washington landlords must comply with the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which requires disclosing all known lead-based paint and lead hazard information, providing existing test results and reports, giving the tenant the EPA pamphlet, "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home," and including a standardized Lead Warning Statement in the lease, signed by both parties. Violations can trigger EPA fines.

3. Mold Disclosure

Under RCW 59.18.060(13), Washington landlords are required to provide tenants with information provided or approved by the department of health about the health hazards associated with exposure to indoor mold. This information may be provided in written format individually to each tenant or posted in a visible, public location at the dwelling unit property. The information must detail how tenants can control mold growth in their dwelling units to minimize the health risks associated with indoor mold. This information must be provided by the landlord to new tenants at the time the lease or rental agreement is signed.

4. Fire Safety and Smoke Detection

Under RCW 59.18.060(12), landlords must provide a written notice to all tenants disclosing fire safety and protection information. This notice must state that the dwelling unit is equipped with a smoke detection device as required in RCW 43.44.110 and inform the tenant of their responsibility to maintain the smoke detection device in proper operating condition and of penalties for failure to comply with RCW 43.44.110(3). The notice must be signed by both the landlord (or authorized agent) and tenant, with copies provided to both parties. For multifamily residential buildings (except single-family residences), the written notice must also disclose: (i) Whether the smoke detection device is hard-wired or battery operated; (ii) Whether the building has a fire sprinkler system; (iii) Whether the building has a fire alarm system; (iv) Whether the building has a smoking policy, and what that policy is; (v) Whether the building has an emergency notification plan for the occupants and, if so, provide a copy; (vi) Whether the building has an emergency relocation plan for the occupants and, if so, provide a copy; and (vii) Whether the building has an emergency evacuation plan for the occupants and, if so, provide a copy. This information may be provided as a written notice or a checklist, which must include a diagram showing emergency evacuation routes. The written notice or checklist must be provided to new tenants at the time the lease or rental agreement is signed.

5. The Landlord's Identity and Contact Information

Under RCW 59.18.060(15), the landlord must designate to the tenant the name and address of the person who is the landlord by a statement on the rental agreement or by a notice conspicuously posted on the premises. The tenant must be notified immediately of any changes in writing, which must be either (a) delivered personally to the tenant or (b) mailed to the tenant and conspicuously posted on the premises. If the person designated in this section does not reside in the state where the premises are located, there shall also be designated a person who resides in the county who is authorized to act as an agent for the purposes of service of notices and process, and if no designation is made of a person to act as agent, then the person to whom rental payments are to be made shall be considered such agent.

6. Utilities and Shared Systems

The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) does not explicitly require landlords to provide written disclosure of the arrangement and specific method used to allocate costs if utilities are shared between units or calculated by a ratio.

7. Provision of the Landlord-Tenant Act Summary

The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) does not explicitly require landlords to provide tenants with a copy of (or a summary of) the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).

How Landager Helps

Managing Washington properties requires precision, especially with Seattle's strict security deposit caps and the statewide 30-day return deadline. Landager automates the mandatory move-in checklist process, tracks the 14-day "pay or vacate" notices, and ensures rent increases are delivered with the required 90-day notice. From managing installment payment requests to staying compliant with Just Cause eviction requirements, Landager helps you navigate the complex RCW 59.18 landscape.

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