Official Residential Lease Agreement Document for Washington State Fill Out Your Document Now

Official Residential Lease Agreement Document for Washington State

The Washington Residential Lease Agreement form serves as a legal document outlining the terms and conditions under which tenants agree to rent property from landlords in Washington state. It is designed to protect the rights and responsibilities of both parties during the rental period. This form is essential for legally binding the landlord and tenant to the agreed-upon terms, ensuring a clear understanding of expectations from both sides.

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Finding a place to call home involves more than just agreeing on a space to live; it requires a formal agreement that protects both the landlord and the tenant. This is where the Washington Residential Lease Agreement form comes into play. As an essential document in the leasing process, it outlines all the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. This includes details such as the duration of the lease, monthly rent, security deposit, and rules regarding pets, late fees, and maintenance responsibilities. Both parties are given clear expectations and legal protections under this agreement. Specifically designed to comply with Washington state laws, it ensures that the agreement is fair and legally binding. By thoroughly understanding and utilizing this form, landlords and tenants can establish a transparent and straightforward relationship from the outset, paving the way for a successful and stress-free tenancy.

Sample - Washington Residential Lease Agreement Form

Washington Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is made on this ____ [date], by and between ____ [Landlord’s full legal name] ("Landlord") and ____ [Tenant’s full legal name(s)] ("Tenant"). Premises located at ____ [Address of the rental property], Washington ("Premises"), are to be leased on the below-stated terms and conditions. This Agreement is subject to the terms of the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).

Lease Terms

1. Lease Duration: This lease shall commence on ____ [Start date] and shall terminate on ____ [End date] unless earlier terminated as provided herein.

2. Rent Payments: Tenant agrees to pay a monthly rent of $____ [Rent amount], due on the first day of each month. Rent shall be paid to the landlord at ____ [Landlord’s address] or another place designated by the landlord.

3. Security Deposit: Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord the sum of $____ [Security deposit amount] as a security deposit for the faithful performance by Tenant of the terms hereunder. Subject to Washington law, this deposit will be returned to Tenant within ____ [Number of days] days after the termination of this lease, less any amount applied to recover Landlord’s damages.

4. Late Charges: If any rent payment is not received by the landlord within ____ [Number of days after which rent is considered late] days after it's due, Tenant agrees to pay a late fee of $____ [Late fee amount].

5. Utilities: Tenant shall be responsible for the payment of the following utilities associated with the Premises:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water and Sewer
  • Trash Collection
  • Any other utilities agreed upon: ____ [Other utilities]
Landlord shall be responsible for paying the following utilities:
  • None, unless specified here: ____ [Landlord-paid utilities]

6. Occupants: The premises shall not be occupied by any persons other than those identified herein as Tenant without the prior written consent of Landlord.

7. Maintenance and Repairs: Tenant agrees to keep the leased premises in a clean and sanitary condition and to immediately report any damage, need for repairs, or maintenance to Landlord.

8. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Washington.

9. Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or between the parties, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

Landlord Signature: ____ [Landlord’s signature]

Tenant Signature(s): ____ [Tenant’s signature(s)]

Date: ____ [Date of Agreement]

PDF Characteristics

Fact Number Fact Name Description
1 Governing Laws Washington Residential Lease Agreements are governed by Washington state law, specifically the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 1973 (RCW 59.18).
2 Security Deposit Limit Washington state law does not specify a maximum amount for security deposits, but it does require that any deposit is refunded within 21 days after the tenant moves out, provided the tenant has not caused damage beyond normal wear and tear.
3 Notice Period for Rent Increases For month-to-month tenancies in Washington, landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice before increasing rent.
4 Landlord Entry Rights Landlords must give tenants at least two days' notice before entering a rental property for non-emergency maintenance or inspections.
5 Discrimination Prohibited The Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, familial status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability.
6 Mandatory Disclosures Landlords must disclose specific information to tenants, such as information about mold, the presence of lead-based paint in properties built before 1978, and information about the Landlord-Tenant Act.
7 Renters' Rights to Subleasing Tenants must usually seek permission from their landlords to sublease the property, as subletting is not automatically allowed under Washington law unless the lease specifically permits it.
8 Termination and Eviction Rules The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act provides clear rules for terminating leases and evicting tenants, including the requirement for a court order to legally evict a tenant.

FAQ

What is a Washington Residential Lease Agreement?

A Washington Residential Lease Agreement is a legally binding document between a landlord and a tenant. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the tenant is allowed to occupy and use the property for a specified time period in the state of Washington. This agreement details the rights and responsibilities of both parties regarding rent, duration of the lease, security deposit, and other pertinent conditions related to the leasing of residential property.

What are the mandatory disclosures in a Washington Residential Lease Agreement?

In Washington, certain disclosures must be made in the lease agreement to comply with state laws, including:

  • Mold Disclosure: Informing tenants about the potential presence of mold and providing guidelines on how to control mold growth.
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For properties built before 1978, landlords must disclose any known presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
  • Landlord’s Name and Address: Landlords must provide their tenants with the name and address of the person or entity authorized to manage the property and receive notices and demands from the tenant.

Can a tenant terminate a Washington Residential Lease Agreement early?

Yes, a tenant can terminate a lease early under certain conditions permitted by Washington law, including:

  1. Active military duty: If a tenant is called to active military service, they may have the right to terminate the lease early.
  2. Domestic violence victim: A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence may terminate their lease early, provided they follow specific legal procedures and documentation requirements.
  3. Landlord breach: If a landlord fails to comply with the lease agreement or legal obligations, such as failing to maintain the property in a habitable condition, the tenant may have grounds to terminate the lease early.

It's important for both tenants and landlords to understand the legal requirements and procedures for early termination of a lease in Washington.

How are security deposits handled in Washington Residential Lease Agreements?

In Washington, the handling of security deposits is regulated to protect both landlords and tenants. When a security deposit is collected, landlords are required to:

  • Provide a written receipt for the deposit.
  • Place the deposit in a trust account and inform the tenant of the account's location.
  • Conduct a walkthrough inspection with the tenant both at the beginning and the end of the lease to note the property condition.
  • Return the deposit or provide a detailed list of deductions within 21 days after the lease ends and the tenant has vacated the property.

Both parties should understand their rights and obligations regarding security deposits to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Other Common Residential Lease Agreement State Forms