Do they have to tell me what they check in Washington?
They must tell you what they check first.
If they turn you down, they must give you the reasons in writing.
Why, and the exact law
From the Washington Legislature, read Oct 4, 2026.Show the law
“If a prospective landlord takes an adverse action, the prospective landlord shall provide a written notice of the adverse action to the prospective tenant that states the reasons for the adverse action …”
This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.
Washington lawIn force
Washington screening disclosures and adverse action notice (RCW 59.18.257)
Do they have to tell me what they check?
They must tell you what they check first.
If they turn you down, they must give you the reasons in writing.
The law, word for word
“If a prospective landlord takes an adverse action, the prospective landlord shall provide a written notice of the adverse action to the prospective tenant that states the reasons for the adverse action …”