New Landlord-Tenant Laws in Washington State

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Washington State has recently passed new legislation that will affect landlords and tenants alike. These new laws, which will come into effect, aim to provide better protection for tenants and increase the accountability of landlords. In this article, we will discuss the key changes that landlords and tenants need to be aware of.

Increased Notice Period for Rent Increases

Starting in 2022, landlords will be required to provide tenants with a 60-day notice period for any rent increases. This is an increase from the previous 30-day notice period and aims to give tenants more time to adjust to the new rental rate.

Additional Tenant Protections

The new laws also provide additional protections for tenants, including:

• Banning landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their source of income
• Prohibiting landlords from charging tenants for repairs that are the landlord's responsibility
• Requiring landlords to provide written notice before entering a rental unit

Increased Accountability for Landlords

The new laws also increase the accountability of landlords, including:

• Requiring landlords to provide a written receipt for any rent payments made in cash
• Prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants who file complaints or exercise their legal rights
• Requiring landlords to provide a written explanation for any security deposit deductions

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this new law are that it provides better protection for tenants and increases the accountability of property owners. However, the downside is that it can make rent more expensive and complicate the process for landlords to adjust rental rates.

FAQs

Q: What is this new law?

A: This new law is a new law being implemented in Washington State to provide better protection for tenants and increase the accountability of property owners.

Q: Will the new law affect rent?

A: Yes, the new law may make rent more expensive as landlords will take longer time to adjust rental rates.

Q: What should I do if I feel discriminated against by a property owner?

A: If you feel discriminated against by a property owner, you can file a complaint with your local legal entity or with the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Q: What should I do if I don't agree with the increase in rent?

A: If you do not agree with the increased rent, you can look for alternative housing or negotiate with the landlord.

Conclusion

This new law provides better protection for tenants and increases the accountability of property owners. However, keep in mind that these new laws may also make rent more expensive and complicate the process for landlords to adjust rental rates. Therefore, both tenants and property owners must understand this new law and comply with the regulations that have been set.