Washington · Change
Applying for a place
What they can ask for in Washington
How much can they charge to hold the place?
Holding fee max 25% of first month's rent.
Waiting-list fees are banned, and a holding fee counts toward your first month's rent.
Show the law
“A landlord may not request a fee or deposit to hold a dwelling or secure that the prospective tenant will move into the dwelling unit in excess of twenty-five percent of the first month's rent as described in RCW 59.18.610(4)”
Can they take a deposit?
Only with a written agreement and checklist.
Without a signed move-in checklist, the landlord owes you the deposit.
Show the law
“No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy …”
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.
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 …”
Who can help
- USA.govUSA.gov
Information about the law, not legal advice.