Landlord Won't Make Repairs in Seattle: What Can I Do?

What your landlord has to fix

1. 1

   Your landlord must keep your home fit to live in for the whole time you rent it.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.060, Washington State Legislature. Law.
2. 2

   Your landlord must keep the roof, floors, and walls in reasonably good repair. The foundation must also stay in reasonably good repair.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.060(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
   Tip.

   Take photos of each problem, with the date. Take more if it gets worse.

3. 3

   Your landlord must control insects, rodents, and other pests. This does not apply to single family homes, or when you caused the problem.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.060(4), Washington State Legislature. Law.
4. 4

   Your landlord must give you working locks and keys.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.060(6), Washington State Legislature. Law.
5. 5

   Your landlord must keep the home reasonably sealed against the weather.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.060(9), Washington State Legislature. Law.
6. 6

   Your landlord does not have to fix damage that you, your family, or your guests caused.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.060, Washington State Legislature. Law.

Ask in writing

7. 7

   Give your landlord written notice. Say which home it is, who owns it, and what is broken.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.070, Washington State Legislature. Law.
   Tip.

   Keep a copy of every letter you give your landlord, and keep your mail receipt. Save the texts and emails you send your landlord, and any replies.

8. 8

   For no heat, no water, no hot water, or no electricity, your landlord has 24 hours to start work. The same applies to anything that puts your life in danger.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.070(1), Washington State Legislature. Law.
9. 9

   If your refrigerator, stove, oven, or a major plumbing part breaks, your landlord has 72 hours to start fixing it.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.070(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
10. 10

    For every other repair, your landlord has 10 days to start work.

    Source:

    1. RCW 59.18.070(3), Washington State Legislature. Law.

If it is still not fixed

11. 11

    You can also take your landlord to court instead of moving out.

    Source:

    1. RCW 59.18.090(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.

Moving out

12. 12

    If your landlord does not fix the problem in a reasonable time, you can end your lease and move out. You must tell them in writing. You then stop owing rent from the day you leave. This works only if you strictly followed the repair notice rules and are current on rent. If not, you can owe rent until the landlord rents the home again, up to the end of your lease.

    Sources:

    1. RCW 59.18.090(1), Washington State Legislature. Law.
    2. Tenants' rights: Moving out, Northwest Justice Project (WashingtonLawHelp.org). A nonprofit group.