Do this today
- Write the date, time, and how they entered.
- Ask in writing for notice next time, if that is the rule.
- If it felt like harassment, Renting in Seattle or legal aid — not a group chat.
Can a landlord in Seattle enter whenever they want?
Generally no — except that emergencies and the lease can change the picture. Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is the Washington starting point. Write down any entry you believe was improper. Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter.
What if they keep coming in?
A pattern of unannounced entry can be a harassment or privacy problem. Renting in Seattle may take a complaint. Legal aid can tell you whether Washington gives a specific remedy. Do not change the locks without advice.
What does Seattle add on top of Washington law?
The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city.
The Seattle layer
Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter.
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Wash. Rev. Code §§ 59.18.010 to 59.18.912) is the Washington floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Seattle questions
How much notice does a landlord in Seattle have to give before entering?
That hour-count or day-count is in Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and sometimes in a city rule. This desk does not invent it. Write down what happened and take it to legal aid or Renting in Seattle.
What does Seattle add on top of Washington law?
The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city.
What number should I call in Seattle?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Renting in Seattle does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org