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Related Article: Landlord's Responsibilities
 
Tenant's Responsibilities


Under the Landlord-Tenant Act, a tenant is required to:

  • Pay rent, and any utilities agreed upon.
     
  • Comply with any requirements of city, county or state regulations.
     
  • Keep the rental unit clean and sanitary.
     
  • Dispose of garbage properly.
     
  • Pay for fumigation of infestations caused by the tenant.
     
  • Properly operate plumbing, electrical and heating systems.
     
  • Maintain smoke detectors, including replacing batteries.
     
  • Not intentionally or carelessly damage the dwelling.
     
  • Not engage in or allow any gang-related activity (or allow others to do so), including any activity that threatens or injures individuals or their property within other dwelling units. Various factors will be considered in determining whether a tenant is engaged in gang-related activity, including complaints by other tenants to the landlord, damages done to other tenants’ property, harassment or threats to other tenants which have been reported to police, and the tenant’s criminal history. RCW 59.18.130.
     
  • Not engage in or allow others to engage in illegal drug activity, physical assaults or assaults with deadly weapons at the rental premises. Being arrested for these types of offenses may constitute a nuisance that could result in eviction. RCW 59.18.180.
     
  • Not permit "waste" (substantial damage to the property) or "nuisance" (substantial interference with other tenants' use of their property).
     
  • When moving out, restore the dwelling to the same condition as when the tenant moved in, except for normal wear and tear.

Provided as a public service by the Consumer Protection Division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office. (http://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer/lt/)
 
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Resources for Renters

Tenant's Responsibilities
Understanding a Lease
Rental Checklist
Request For Repairs
Return of Deposit Letter
Truck Rental Checklist
Moving Checklist
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