Owning rental property in Washington comes with clear legal responsibilities—especially when it comes to repairs. State law requires landlords to maintain safe, habitable living conditions, and failing to do so can lead to tenant remedies, legal disputes, or costly fines.
This guide breaks down what repairs landlords are responsible for in Washington, what tenants must handle, and how to stay compliant with the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA).
In Washington State, landlords are responsible for maintaining rental properties in a safe, sanitary, and habitable condition, including structural elements, essential systems, and code compliance.
This obligation is primarily governed by RCW 59.18.060.
Landlords must maintain the basic structure of the property, including:
The unit must be weather-tight and structurally sound at all times.
Washington landlords are responsible for ensuring:
Plumbing issues affecting habitability must be repaired promptly.
Landlords must maintain:
Electrical hazards are considered serious health and safety issues under Washington law.
Landlords are required to provide:
Note: Air conditioning is not required unless provided in the lease—but if it is provided, it must be maintained.
If the landlord supplies appliances, they are responsible for maintaining them, including:
If an appliance breaks due to normal wear and tear, the landlord must repair or replace it.
Landlords must ensure the unit is free from infestations at move-in, including:
Ongoing infestations are typically the landlord’s responsibility unless clearly caused by tenant behavior.
Landlords must address mold when it:
Tenants are generally responsible for routine cleaning, but landlords must fix the underlying cause.
Washington landlords must provide:
Landlords are responsible for installation and major repairs.
Tenants are generally responsible for:
Tenants must also notify landlords in writing when repairs are needed.
Once notified in writing, landlords must make repairs within these timeframes:
|
Issue Type |
Required Response Time |
|
No heat, water, electricity, or serious hazard |
24 hours |
|
Refrigerator, stove, or oven |
72 hours |
|
All other repairs |
10 days |
Failure to meet these deadlines can allow tenants to pursue legal remedies.
Generally, no—not without following strict legal procedures. Tenants may:
Improper rent withholding can still result in eviction.
Failing to meet repair obligations can lead to:
Proactive maintenance protects both your property and your investment.
Managing repair compliance—especially with Washington’s strict landlord-tenant laws—can be time-consuming and risky. A professional property management company can:
Understanding what repairs landlords are responsible for in Washington isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your rental income, avoiding disputes, and maintaining long-term asset value.
If you want help staying compliant, reducing maintenance stress, and protecting your investment, professional property management can make all the difference.
Washington’s landlord-tenant laws are strict, and one missed repair deadline can lead to costly consequences. The Joseph Group helps Washington property owners stay compliant, protect their investment, and handle maintenance issues quickly and professionally.
From emergency repairs to preventative maintenance and vendor coordination, our experienced property management team ensures your rental meets all legal habitability requirements—without the day-to-day headaches.
Contact The Joseph Group today to learn how our full-service property management can protect your property and your peace of mind.