Do this today
- Write the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told in advance.
- Keep texts, emails, or posted notes about entry.
- If you felt unsafe, that is a safety issue as well as a tenancy issue — 911 if someone is in danger.
- Do not change locks without confirming Washington rules and the lease.
What usually depends on the reason?
Emergencies, agreed-upon repairs, and showings to buyers or new tenants are often treated differently in Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. A national “24 hours” line is a rumor, not a rule we will print. The hour-count, if Washington has one, is in the chapter.
What if it keeps happening?
Repeated unannounced entry is worth a dated log. Whether Washington treats that as a breach, a privacy violation, or something a court can stop is a legal-aid question. The log is what you take them.
Is Seattle the same as the rest of Washington?
RCW 59.18 is statewide. Seattle, Tacoma, and other cities have added local just-cause, notice, and relocation rules. Those ordinances stop at the city line. Spokane has its own rental program. Use the city of the unit.
The Washington chapter
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Wash. Rev. Code §§ 59.18.010 to 59.18.912) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is Chapter 59.18 of the Revised Code of Washington, and the Attorney General maintains a landlord–tenant page for renters. Several Washington cities add local protections.
Seattle, Tacoma, Burien and other Washington cities have adopted local tenant-protection ordinances that add to state law. Check the city clerk or housing office for the address in question.
Official sources
- StatuteRCW Chapter 59.18 — Residential Landlord-Tenant ActWashington State Legislature, the official code publisher.
- State agencyWashington Attorney General — Landlord-TenantState guidance for renters and landlords.
- Free legal helpWashingtonLawHelp — Tenants' rights: While you are rentingStatewide legal-aid guide for Washington tenants.
- Statute indexCornell LII landlord-tenant tableWash. Rev. Code §§ 59.18.010 to 59.18.912
- FederalHUD — Washington
- Free legal helpLawHelp.org — Washington
Common questions
Can my landlord in Washington enter without notice?
Sometimes, for emergencies. For other reasons, Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act usually requires notice of some kind. We do not print an hour-count. Write down what happened and confirm the chapter.
Can I refuse entry in Washington?
It depends on the reason, the notice, and the lease. Refusing a lawful entry can become a lease issue. Ask legal aid before you change locks or bar a posted repair visit.
Is Seattle the same as the rest of Washington?
RCW 59.18 is statewide. Seattle, Tacoma, and other cities have added local just-cause, notice, and relocation rules. Those ordinances stop at the city line. Spokane has its own rental program. Use the city of the unit.
The national landlord entry guide has the full sequence. Open the landlord entry guide
People also ask
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org