Can't Pay Rent in Washington: What Are My Options?

What the law says

1. 1

   Your landlord cannot charge a late fee if you pay rent within 5 days after it is due. After 5 days, your landlord may charge a late fee starting the day after the due date.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.170(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
2. 2

   Your landlord must apply any payment you make first to your rent, not to late fees or other charges. Your landlord cannot make you pay anything but rent to keep your home, unless you are paying to stop an eviction case. To stop the case, you may also have to pay court costs and lawyer's fees the court awarded. You may also have to pay late fees, if your lease allows them and they total no more than $75.

   Sources:

   1. RCW 59.18.283(1)-(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
   2. RCW 59.18.410(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
3. 3

   Your landlord cannot remove you or keep you out of your home without a court order. If your landlord locks you out without one, you can move back in or end the lease. Ending the lease has risks, so get legal advice first. In either case, you can recover your actual losses. The winner can also recover court costs and reasonable lawyer's fees. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

   Sources:

   1. Our editorial rules.
   2. RCW 59.18.290(1), Washington State Legislature. Law.
4. 4

   If your landlord turns off your utilities (water, electric, gas) on purpose, a court can order it to pay your actual losses. This does not apply if the utilities are off for a reasonable time to make needed repairs. The court can also order up to $100 for each day or part of a day without service. For 5 days without heat, that is up to $500. Whoever wins can also get court costs and a reasonable lawyer's fee. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

   Sources:

   1. Our editorial rules.
   2. RCW 59.18.300, Washington State Legislature. Law.

Get help paying rent

5. 5

   Washington runs an eviction prevention rental assistance program through the Department of Commerce. Rental assistance means money to help pay rent. The program can pay rent you owe and future rent to help you keep your home. It can also pay utility (water, electric, and gas) bills tied to eviction risk. Commerce sends this money to local organizations, so you apply through an organization in your county, not directly through the state.

   Source:

   1. RCW 43.185C.185(1), Washington State Legislature. Law.
6. 6

   211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects you to local help across Washington, including help paying rent. Call 211 and describe your situation. If you cannot reach 211, call 1-877-211-9274 instead. Staff will refer you to agencies that serve your area.

   Source:

   1. Learn About WA 211, Washington 211. A nonprofit group.
7. 7

   If you cannot pay your heating or cooling bill, Washington's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help. The program pays a one-time grant to your energy provider based on your income, household size, and heating costs. It can also help fix or replace an unsafe heater or air conditioner. You apply through a local community action agency, not directly through the state, once each program year, October through September.

   Source:

   1. How often can I apply?, Washington State Department of Commerce. A government guide.