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Landlord Entry Laws in Washington

By Tenant Know-How Editorial TeamLast updated 4 min read
Washington Landlord Entry Law at a Glance
Required Notice
48 hours
Must be written
Entry Hours Restricted
Yes
reasonable hours only
Emergency Entry Without Notice
Allowed
Tenant Can Refuse Unreasonable Entry
Yes
Permitted Reasons for Entry
Repairs and maintenanceInspectionsShowing to prospective tenantsShowing to prospective buyersAgreed-upon servicesEmergenciesApparent abandonment
Statute: Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150

How much notice does a landlord have to give in Washington?

Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150, landlords in Washington must give at least 48 hours' advance notice before entering your rental unit for non-emergency purposes. The statute specifically requires this notice to be in writing — oral notice alone does not satisfy the requirement.

Even with proper notice, entry is restricted to reasonable hours.

What is your landlord allowed to enter for in Washington?

Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150, permitted entry reasons in Washington include:

  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Inspections
  • Showing to prospective tenants
  • Showing to prospective buyers
  • Agreed-upon services
  • Emergencies
  • Apparent abandonment

What counts as an emergency in Washington?

No notice required in case of emergency or tenant abandonment. A landlord's declaration of 'emergency' is subject to a reasonable-person standard.

What are your remedies if your landlord enters without notice in Washington?

If your landlord violates entry rules in Washington, your remedies under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150 may include:

  • Court order stopping future violations (injunction)
  • Right to terminate the lease
  • Actual damages
  • Statutory damages (fixed by statute)
  • Attorney's fees and court costs

In practice, start by documenting the unauthorized entry (photos, texts, a written log), then send a written objection citing the statute. If violations continue, consult a local tenant-rights attorney or your state's housing court.

Important Washington-specific notes

At least 2 days (48 hours) written notice for most non-emergency entries; at least 1 day (24 hours) for showings to prospective purchasers or tenants. Notice MUST include: exact date/time (or a time window specifying earliest and latest possible times), purpose of entry, and a phone number the tenant can use to object or reschedule. Entry only at reasonable times. Landlord may not excessively exhibit the unit. Seattle has additional protections through the Tenant Bill of Rights. Tenant cannot unreasonably refuse a properly noticed entry.

Landlord Entry Notice Lookup

Find out how much notice your landlord must give before entering your home.

WA
Washington Law
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150
Required Notice
48 hours
Written Notice Required
Yes
Reasonable Hours Only
Yes
Emergency Entry (No Notice)
Allowed
Permitted reasons for entry
  • ·Repairs and maintenance
  • ·Inspections
  • ·Showing to prospective tenants
  • ·Showing to prospective buyers
  • ·Agreed-upon services
  • ·Emergencies
  • ·Apparent abandonment
Your remedies if landlord violates entry rules
  • ·Court order stopping future violations (injunction)
  • ·Right to terminate the lease
  • ·Actual damages
  • ·Statutory damages (fixed by statute)
  • ·Attorney's fees and court costs
Washington notes
At least 2 days (48 hours) written notice for most non-emergency entries; at least 1 day (24 hours) for showings to prospective purchasers or tenants. Notice MUST include: exact date/time (or a time window specifying earliest and latest possible times), purpose of entry, and a phone number the tenant can use to object or reschedule. Entry only at reasonable times. Landlord may not excessively exhibit the unit. Seattle has additional protections through the Tenant Bill of Rights. Tenant cannot unreasonably refuse a properly noticed entry.
Full Washington landlord entry rules →
Informational only — not legal advice. Verify with the cited statute or a local attorney.

Washington Landlord Entry FAQ

How much notice does a landlord have to give in Washington before entering?
In Washington, landlords must give at least 48 hours' advance notice before entering a rental unit, per Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150.
Can a landlord enter my rental in Washington without notice?
In Washington, landlords may enter without notice in emergencies. No notice required in case of emergency or tenant abandonment. A landlord's declaration of 'emergency' is subject to a reasonable-person standard. Outside of true emergencies, Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150 requires advance notice.
What can a landlord enter for in Washington?
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150, permitted reasons for landlord entry in Washington include: Repairs and maintenance, Inspections, Showing to prospective tenants, Showing to prospective buyers, Agreed-upon services, Emergencies, Apparent abandonment.
What can I do if my landlord enters without notice in Washington?
If your landlord violates entry rules in Washington, your remedies under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150 may include: Court order stopping future violations (injunction); Right to terminate the lease; Actual damages; Statutory damages (fixed by statute); Attorney's fees and court costs. Document the violation in writing and send a demand letter before pursuing legal action.
Does my landlord have to give written notice in Washington?
Yes. Washington law (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150) requires written notice before entry. Oral notice alone is insufficient.

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Compare to other states

West Virginia (Reasonable notice)Alaska (24 hours)Delaware (48 hours)Illinois (Reasonable notice)Maine (24 hours)Nebraska (24 hours)
See all 51 jurisdictions →