Washington Lease Agreement: What to Include
February 13, 2026Washington State has a fairly extensive list of required disclosures compared to many states, and — following a statewide rent cap enacted in 2025 — an added layer of rent increase rules to track.
Security deposits
Washington has no statewide statutory cap on the security deposit amount, and no requirement to pay the tenant interest on it (interest belongs to the landlord unless the lease states otherwise). Deposits must be returned within 30 days of move-out, with an itemized list of any deductions.
Entry notice
Washington generally requires 48 hours' notice for entry related to inspections or repairs, and 24 hours' notice for showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers — a useful distinction to reflect accurately in your lease rather than using a single blanket notice period for every purpose.
Rent increases and the 2025 cap
Washington generally requires 60 days' notice for a rent increase. A statewide rent cap enacted in 2025 may apply to your property depending on its specifics — this is a recent, evolving area of law, so confirm the current requirements for your specific property type and location rather than relying on older assumptions about Washington having no rent control.
Required disclosures
A Washington lease should include or accompany:
- • Federal lead-based paint disclosure (for pre-1978 buildings)
- • Mold information disclosure
- • Fire safety and evacuation information
- • Deposit checklist documenting the move-in condition
- • Clear disclosure of all fees charged
- • Rent increase notice terms
The bottom line
Washington's 2025 rent cap is the most significant recent change landlords need to account for, on top of an already disclosure-heavy baseline. See LeasePilot HQ's full Washington landlord-tenant law summary for the complete breakdown with sources, or generate a lease with Washington-specific clauses built in automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Washington rent cap apply to every rental property?
Rent cap legislation enacted in 2025 may include exemptions for certain property types (such as newer construction) — confirm the current, specific rules for your property rather than assuming a blanket cap applies to everything.
Is entry notice the same for a repair visit and a showing?
No — Washington generally distinguishes between 48 hours' notice for inspection or repair entry and 24 hours' notice for showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers.
Do I owe the tenant interest on their security deposit in Washington?
No — interest on the deposit generally belongs to the landlord in Washington unless the lease specifically states otherwise.