Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Habitability and Repair Standards
Key Facts
- Core duty
- Keep premises fit for human habitation (RCW 59.18.060)
- Emergency repairs
- 24 hours (no heat/water/electricity, or hazard)
- Major fixtures
- 72 hours (fridge, range/oven, major plumbing)
- Other defects
- 10 days (RCW 59.18.070)
- Tenant remedies
- Repair-and-deduct, rent abatement, termination
Summary
RCW 59.18.060 requires Washington landlords to keep rentals 'fit for human habitation': structurally sound, weathertight, with working plumbing, heat, hot water, electrical systems, pest control, and reasonable locks. After written notice, RCW 59.18.070 sets repair deadlines: 24 hours for lost heat, water, or electricity, 72 hours for major fixtures, 10 days otherwise.
The landlord will at all times during the tenancy keep the premises fit for human habitation, and shall in particular: (1) Maintain the premises to substantially comply with any applicable code, statute, ordinance, or regulation governing their maintenance or operation, which the legislative body enacting the applicable code, statute, ordinance or regulation could enforce as to the premises rented if such condition endangers or impairs the health or safety of the tenant;
Full Breakdown
RCW 59.18.060 provides the landlord 'will at all times during the tenancy keep the premises fit for human habitation,' and must maintain structural components, weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electrical and hot-water systems, control pests, and provide reasonable locks and keys. After the tenant gives written notice of a defect, RCW 59.18.070 requires repairs in 'not more than twenty-four hours, where the defective condition deprives the tenant of hot or cold water, heat, or electricity, or is imminently hazardous to life'; 'not more than seventy-two hours' for loss of a refrigerator, range and oven, or a major plumbing fixture; and 'not more than ten days in all other cases.' Failure can trigger repair-and-deduct, rent abatement, or termination.
Violations & Penalties
Under RCW 59.18.070 and related sections, a tenant whose landlord misses the deadline may pursue repair-and-deduct, hire repairs and deduct up to the statutory limits, terminate the tenancy, or sue for damages, diminished rental value, and in some cases costs and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a Washington landlord do to keep a rental habitable?
How fast must a Washington landlord make repairs?
Sources
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