Also known as a “rental agreement”, a Washington lease agreement is a legal contract between a landlord (“lessor”) and a tenant (“lessee”). It outlines the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including rent, duration of the lease, use of the property, and responsibilities of both parties.
The most commonly used Washington lease agreement is the fixed-term residential lease agreement. This agreement covers the rental of residential properties, such as apartments, houses, or condos.
Month-to-month lease agreements and sublease agreements are also common in Washington.
How to write a Washington lease agreement
Writing a Washington lease agreement involves several key steps, thanks to our easy-to-use template.
- Start by including the basic information of the parties involved, including contact information.
- Add the property details, and lease terms, such as the lease end date.
- Next, specify the monthly rent, due date for rental payments, lease duration, and any additional terms or rules you want to include (e.g., late fees or nonrefundable fees).
- Ensure that the agreement complies with Washington state laws and regulations.
- Finally, make sure both the landlord and tenant sign the rental lease agreement.
A Washington lease agreement should include certain disclosures to comply with federal law or state laws. These may include a lead-based paint disclosure, and information about mold, or asbestos, among other things.
A move-in checklist is often also included, although not required by law.
Washington state law sets a maximum limit for the security deposit, which is usually equal to one month's rent. Washington landlords and property owners must provide a written receipt and return the deposit within 21 days after the tenant moves out.
Frequently asked questions
Our template is intended for use as a residential lease agreement. This means it is not suitable for use as a commercial lease agreement.
Yes, our Washington lease agreement is fully customizable. You can add or modify clauses to meet your unique requirements.
If either the landlord or the tenant breaches the terms of the lease agreement, it can lead to legal consequences—or even eviction of the tenant. It's important to resolve any disputes or issues through proper communication or seek legal advice if necessary.
Early termination of a lease agreement may have legal and financial implications. Review the lease terms and consult with a legal professional to understand the proper procedure for terminating the lease early.
Yes, in Washington, landlords are generally required to provide advance notice before entering a rental property.
Washington state law typically requires a minimum notice period, usually two days, unless it is an emergency situation. In this case, a day notice may be enough.
It’s recommended that landlords review the specific regulations and consult legal resources to ensure compliance with the relevant laws.
Looking for other Washington documents?
Formswift is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Formswift's documents are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Communications between you and Formswift are governed by the Formswift Privacy Policy but are not protected by the attorney-client privilege or as work product. Formswift does not provide advice, opinions, or recommendations about individual's legal rights, options, strategies, or the selection of forms. Your use of the Formswift website and forms is governed by the Formswift Terms of Service.