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RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

1.PARTIES AND PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

This Residential Lease Agreement ("Lease" or "Agreement") is entered into as of 2026-03-16 by and between:

[LANDLORD NAME] (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord"); and

[TENANT NAME] (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant").

Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, the apartment located at Washington (comprising 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom) (the "Premises"), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2.TERM OF LEASE

The term of this Lease shall commence on 2026-03-16 ("Commencement Date") and shall expire on [End Date] ("Expiration Date"), unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (the "Lease Term").

Upon expiration of the Lease Term, if Tenant remains in possession of the Premises with the consent of Landlord, the tenancy shall automatically convert to a month-to-month tenancy subject to all terms and conditions of this Agreement, except that either Party may terminate such month-to-month tenancy by providing the other Party with written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the intended date of termination, or such longer period as required by applicable law.

3.RENT AND PAYMENT TERMS

(a) Monthly Rent. Tenant agrees to pay Landlord the sum of $[AMOUNT] per month as rent for the Premises ("Monthly Rent"). Rent shall be due and payable in advance on the first (1st) day of each calendar month during the Lease Term.

(b) First Month's Rent. Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay the first month's rent in the amount of $[AMOUNT]. If the Commencement Date falls on a day other than the first (1st) day of the month, Tenant shall pay a prorated amount for the remainder of the first partial month, calculated on a per diem basis.

(c) Payment Method. All rent payments shall be made via personal check or cashier's check, electronic bank transfer (ACH), or online payment platform as designated by Landlord. Landlord reserves the right to modify the acceptable methods of payment upon thirty (30) days' written notice to Tenant.

(d) Late Payment. If Tenant fails to pay the Monthly Rent within 5 (five) days after the date on which it is due (the "Grace Period"), Tenant shall pay a late charge of $[AMOUNT] for each occurrence. The Parties agree that this late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Landlord will incur by reason of late payment and does not constitute a penalty or interest.

(e) Returned Payments. In the event that any check or electronic payment tendered by Tenant is returned for insufficient funds or any other reason, Tenant shall be liable for an additional returned payment fee of Fifty Dollars ($50.00), or the maximum amount permitted by applicable law, whichever is less, in addition to any applicable late charges.

(f) Rent Increases. For month-to-month tenancies, Landlord may increase the Monthly Rent upon providing Tenant with at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice, or such longer period as required by applicable state or local law. For fixed-term tenancies, rent shall not be increased during the initial Lease Term unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties.

4.SECURITY DEPOSIT

(a) Amount. Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay Landlord a security deposit in the amount of $[AMOUNT] ("Security Deposit"). The Security Deposit shall be held by Landlord as security for the faithful performance by Tenant of all terms, covenants, and conditions of this Lease.

(b) Permitted Deductions. Landlord may apply all or any portion of the Security Deposit to remedy any default by Tenant, including but not limited to: (i) unpaid rent or other charges due under this Lease; (ii) repair of damages to the Premises caused by Tenant, Tenant's guests, or occupants, beyond normal wear and tear; (iii) cleaning costs necessary to restore the Premises to the condition existing at the commencement of the tenancy, reasonable wear and tear excepted; and (iv) any other amounts permitted by applicable law.

(c) Return of Deposit. Within the time period required by the laws of the State of Washington (or, if no specific period is prescribed, within thirty (30) days) after the termination of this Lease and Tenant's complete vacation of the Premises, Landlord shall return the Security Deposit to Tenant, less any lawful deductions, together with an itemized written statement describing any amounts withheld and the reasons therefor.

(d) No Interest. Unless required by applicable state or local law, Landlord shall not be required to pay interest on the Security Deposit or to hold the Security Deposit in a separate escrow account.

(e) Transfer of Deposit. In the event of a sale or transfer of Landlord's interest in the Premises, Landlord shall have the right to transfer the Security Deposit to the new owner or transferee, and upon such transfer, Landlord shall be released from all liability for the return of the Security Deposit, and Tenant shall look solely to the new owner or transferee for the return thereof.

(f) Not Last Month's Rent. The Security Deposit shall not be applied by Tenant as the last month's rent or any other payment due under this Lease. Tenant may not use or apply the Security Deposit at any time in lieu of payment of rent.

5.USE OF PROPERTY

(a) Permitted Use. The Premises shall be used and occupied by Tenant exclusively as a private residential dwelling for Tenant and no more than one (1) occupant, and for no other purpose, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Landlord.

(b) Prohibited Activities. Tenant shall not use or permit the Premises to be used for any unlawful, illegal, or prohibited purpose. Tenant shall not cause or permit any nuisance, offensive noise, odor, or activity on or about the Premises that unreasonably interferes with the rights, comfort, or convenience of other tenants or neighboring property owners.

(c) Compliance with Laws. Tenant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations relating to the use and occupancy of the Premises, including all applicable building codes, housing codes, and health and safety regulations.

(d) Smoking. Smoking of any kind, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, is strictly prohibited within the Premises and all common areas of the property. Violation of this provision shall constitute a material breach of this Lease.

(e) Alterations. Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord. Any approved alterations shall be performed at Tenant's sole expense, in a workmanlike manner, and in compliance with all applicable laws and building codes. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all alterations, additions, and improvements shall become the property of Landlord upon installation and shall remain upon and be surrendered with the Premises at the end of the tenancy.

6.UTILITIES AND SERVICES

(a) Landlord's Responsibility. Landlord shall be responsible for providing and paying for the following utilities and services during the Lease Term: trash removal.

(b) Tenant's Responsibility. Tenant shall be responsible for establishing accounts in Tenant's name and paying for the following utilities and services during the Lease Term: water and sewer, electricity, natural gas, internet service. Tenant shall ensure that all utility accounts are maintained in good standing throughout the Lease Term and shall promptly pay all charges as they become due.

(c) Service Interruptions. Landlord shall not be liable for any interruption or failure of utility services caused by circumstances beyond Landlord's reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, governmental orders, or utility provider outages. Any such interruption shall not constitute a breach of this Lease, relieve Tenant of any obligation hereunder, or give rise to any claim for damages or reduction in rent, except as otherwise provided by applicable law.

7.MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

(a) Landlord's Obligations. Landlord shall be responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the Premises and for all major repairs and replacements, including but not limited to: structural components, roofing, plumbing systems, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning systems, and any repair with an estimated cost exceeding $100.00. Landlord shall comply with all applicable housing codes and maintain the Premises in a condition fit for human habitation.

(b) Tenant's Obligations. Tenant shall be responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs with an estimated cost not exceeding $100.00 per occurrence, including but not limited to: replacement of light bulbs, air filters, smoke detector batteries, and minor plumbing repairs (such as unclogging drains). Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition and shall not cause or permit any waste, damage, or destruction of the Premises.

(c) Reporting Requirement. Tenant shall report all maintenance issues and needed repairs exceeding Tenant's responsibility to Landlord in writing within a reasonable time after discovery. Failure to report damage or needed repairs in a timely manner that results in additional damage to the Premises may result in Tenant being held responsible for such additional damage.

(d) Emergency Repairs. In the event of an emergency posing an immediate threat to health, safety, or property, Tenant may arrange for emergency repairs without prior approval from Landlord, provided that: (i) Tenant makes a reasonable effort to notify Landlord before or immediately after the emergency repair; (ii) the repair is limited to what is reasonably necessary to address the emergency; and (iii) Tenant provides Landlord with documentation of the repair and associated costs. Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for reasonable emergency repair costs within thirty (30) days of receiving documentation, unless the emergency was caused by Tenant's negligence or willful misconduct.

8.PET POLICY

No pets of any kind shall be kept on or about the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord. The term "pets" includes, but is not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, and any other domestic or exotic animals. Any unauthorized pet found on the Premises shall constitute a material breach of this Lease and may result in termination of the tenancy at Landlord's sole discretion.

This prohibition does not apply to service animals or emotional support animals that are required as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or applicable state or local law. Tenant shall provide Landlord with appropriate documentation from a qualified professional verifying the need for such an animal upon request.

9.SUBLETTING AND ASSIGNMENT

Tenant shall not sublet or relet the Premises or any portion thereof, nor assign this Lease or any interest therein, nor permit any other person or entity to occupy the Premises or any part thereof, without the prior written consent of Landlord in each instance. Any sublease, assignment, or transfer made without Landlord's prior written consent shall be null and void and shall constitute a material breach of this Lease.

Landlord's consent to any sublease or assignment shall not be construed as a waiver of the requirement for consent to any subsequent sublease or assignment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall have the sole and absolute discretion to grant or withhold consent to any proposed sublease or assignment.

10.ENTRY AND INSPECTION

(a) Right of Entry. Landlord and Landlord's agents, employees, and contractors shall have the right to enter the Premises at reasonable times for the purpose of: (i) inspecting the Premises; (ii) making necessary or agreed-upon repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; (iii) supplying agreed-upon services; (iv) exhibiting the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors; and (v) any other lawful purpose.

(b) Notice Requirement. Except in cases of emergency, Landlord shall provide Tenant with at least twenty-four (24) hours' advance written notice prior to entering the Premises, specifying the date, approximate time, and purpose of entry.

(c) Emergency Entry. Landlord may enter the Premises without notice in the event of an emergency, including but not limited to fire, flood, gas leak, or other circumstances posing an imminent threat to life, health, safety, or property.

(d) Tenant Cooperation. Tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to Landlord's entry for the purposes described herein, and shall not alter, change, or install additional locks or security devices on any door or window of the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord. If Tenant installs additional locks with Landlord's consent, Tenant shall provide Landlord with a key or access code for each such lock.

11.TERMINATION AND RENEWAL

(a) Renewal Option. Tenant shall have the option to renew this Lease for an additional term, subject to Landlord's approval and the negotiation of new terms, by providing Landlord with written notice of Tenant's intent to renew at least 60 (sixty) days prior to the Expiration Date. If Tenant fails to provide timely notice, this Lease shall terminate on the Expiration Date unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties.

(b) Surrender of Premises. Upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, Tenant shall surrender the Premises to Landlord in the same condition as received, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Tenant shall remove all personal property and trash from the Premises and shall return all keys, access devices, and garage door openers to Landlord.

(c) Holdover. If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the expiration or termination of this Lease without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be deemed a holdover tenant. Holdover tenancy shall be on a month-to-month basis at a monthly rent equal to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Monthly Rent in effect at the time of holdover, and shall otherwise be subject to all terms and conditions of this Lease. Such holdover tenancy may be terminated by Landlord upon providing Tenant with the minimum notice required by applicable law.

12.DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

(a) Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute a material default and breach of this Lease by Tenant:

(i) Failure to pay rent or any other sum due under this Lease within five (5) days after written notice that such payment is overdue;

(ii) Failure to comply with any other term, covenant, or condition of this Lease within fourteen (14) days after written notice from Landlord specifying the nature of the default and the action required to cure it, or such longer period as may be reasonably necessary to effect a cure, provided Tenant commences the cure within the fourteen (14) day period and diligently pursues the cure to completion;

(iii) Abandonment of the Premises as defined by applicable state law;

(iv) Any material misrepresentation made by Tenant in connection with Tenant's rental application or this Lease;

(v) Tenant's filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or the filing of an involuntary petition against Tenant that is not dismissed within sixty (60) days.

(b) Landlord's Remedies. In the event of a default by Tenant, Landlord may, at Landlord's sole option and in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity:

(i) Terminate this Lease and Tenant's right to possession of the Premises by providing written notice to Tenant, whereupon Tenant shall immediately surrender possession;

(ii) Pursue an action for eviction or unlawful detainer as permitted by the laws of the State of Washington;

(iii) Re-enter and take possession of the Premises in a lawful manner;

(iv) Recover from Tenant all damages incurred by Landlord as a result of Tenant's default, including but not limited to the cost of recovering the Premises, unpaid rent and other charges due through the date of termination, the worth at the time of award of the amount of unpaid rent and other charges for the remainder of the Lease Term, and any other amounts necessary to compensate Landlord for the detriment caused by Tenant's default.

(c) Landlord's Default. Landlord shall be in default of this Lease if Landlord fails to perform any obligation required under this Lease within thirty (30) days after written notice from Tenant specifying the nature of the default, or such longer period as may be reasonably necessary to cure the default, provided Landlord commences the cure within the thirty (30) day period and diligently pursues the cure to completion. In the event of Landlord's default, Tenant may pursue any remedies available at law or in equity, including but not limited to an action for constructive eviction if the default renders the Premises uninhabitable.

(d) Mitigation. Both Parties shall have a duty to mitigate damages in the event of a default by the other Party, to the extent required by applicable law.

13.LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE

LEAD WARNING STATEMENT: Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, lessors must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling. Lessees must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.

(a) Disclosure. Landlord hereby discloses that: (check one)

__ Landlord has knowledge of the following known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing: ________________________________________________

__ Landlord has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.

(b) Records and Reports. Landlord hereby discloses that: (check one)

__ Landlord has provided Tenant with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing, including the following: ________________________________________________

__ Landlord has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.

(c) Tenant Acknowledgment. Tenant acknowledges that: (i) Tenant has received the pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; (ii) Tenant has read and understands the lead warning statement above; and (iii) Tenant has had the opportunity to conduct an independent risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the Premises.

This disclosure is made pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 4852d and the regulations promulgated thereunder at 24 C.F.R. Part 35 and 40 C.F.R. Part 745.

14.GENERAL PROVISIONS

(a) Governing Law. This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, and all applicable federal laws, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.), without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule. Any legal action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Lease shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in the State of Washington, and the Parties hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

(b) Severability. If any provision of this Lease is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Lease, and this Lease shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

(c) Entire Agreement. This Lease, together with all exhibits and addenda attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to the Premises.

(d) Amendments. No amendment to, or modification of, this Lease shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by both Landlord and Tenant.

(e) Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Lease shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given: (i) on the date of personal delivery to the Party to whom notice is directed; (ii) on the day after delivery to a nationally recognized overnight courier service; (iii) on the third business day after mailing by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) on the date of transmission if sent by electronic mail with confirmation of receipt. Notices shall be addressed to the Parties at the addresses set forth in this Lease or at such other address as either Party may designate by written notice.

(f) Waiver. No failure or delay by either Party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Lease shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof. The acceptance of rent by Landlord shall not be deemed a waiver of any preceding breach of this Lease by Tenant, other than the failure of Tenant to pay the particular rent accepted, regardless of Landlord's knowledge of such preceding breach at the time of acceptance of such rent.

(g) Quiet Enjoyment. Landlord covenants and warrants that, so long as Tenant performs all of Tenant's obligations under this Lease, Tenant shall peaceably and quietly hold, occupy, and enjoy the Premises during the Lease Term without hindrance or interference from Landlord or any person claiming through Landlord, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease.

(h) Joint and Several Liability. If more than one person constitutes Tenant, each such person shall be jointly and severally liable for the obligations of Tenant under this Lease.

(i) Binding Effect. This Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and permitted assigns.

(j) Attorney's Fees. In the event of any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Lease, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney's fees and costs of litigation from the non-prevailing Party, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

(k) Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable for any failure to perform its obligations under this Lease if such failure results from circumstances beyond the Party's reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, pandemic, war, terrorism, strikes, governmental orders, or civil unrest, provided that the affected Party gives prompt notice to the other Party and uses commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate the effects of such event.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Residential Lease Agreement as of the date first written above.

LANDLORD:

Signature:
Printed Name: [LANDLORD NAME]
Title:
Date:

TENANT:

Signature:
Printed Name: [TENANT NAME]
Date:

Washington Landlord-Tenant Laws

Washington's landlord-tenant laws are governed by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, found at Washington Revised Code Sections 59.18.010 through 59.18.912. Washington has enacted significant tenant protection legislation in recent years, making it one of the more tenant-friendly states in the western United States.

Washington's approach to security deposits has evolved significantly. While there is no statutory cap on the deposit amount itself, recent legislation has imposed limits on total move-in costs that landlords can charge, which includes deposits, fees, and last month's rent. The deposit must be returned within 21 days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized statement of deductions. Landlords must provide a detailed written checklist at the beginning and end of the tenancy documenting the condition of the premises. Failure to provide the checklist or return the deposit timely can result in liability for up to twice the deposit amount.

Washington requires extensive disclosures including the federal lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 housing, mold information, and flood zone status. The state also requires landlords to provide information about the tenant's rights under Washington law.

Washington has a unique late fee structure. Landlords cannot charge late fees until the rent is more than five days late, providing a built-in grace period. This protects tenants who may experience minor delays in payment processing.

The eviction process in Washington has been significantly reformed in recent years. For nonpayment of rent, a 14-day notice is required. Washington has added extensive procedural requirements for eviction proceedings, including mandatory referrals to rental assistance programs and requirements for providing tenants with information about their rights. Washington has also enacted just cause eviction protections in certain circumstances.

Washington requires landlords to provide at least two days' advance notice before entering a rental unit. Entry must be at reasonable times and for legitimate purposes. Emergency access does not require notice.

Washington does not have statewide rent control, though the topic has been actively debated in the legislature. Several cities, including Seattle, have implemented various tenant protection measures short of rent control, including relocation assistance requirements and notice periods for rent increases.

Washington's warranty of habitability is comprehensive, requiring landlords to maintain rental properties in compliance with all applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, providing adequate heating, ensuring proper drainage, and maintaining all utilities. Tenants have strong remedies for habitability violations, including the right to withhold rent, repair and deduct, and terminate the lease.

Washington provides robust protections against retaliatory eviction and has specific provisions regarding tenant screening, security deposit handling, and requirements for written rental agreements. Recent legislative sessions have continued to expand tenant protections in Washington.

Key Washington Lease Requirements

Security Deposit Maximum

No statutory cap on deposits, but limits on total move-in costs

Security Deposit Return Deadline

21 days

Notice for Entry

2 days' notice required

Eviction Notice Period

14-day notice for nonpayment of rent

Late Fee Limits

Cannot charge late fees until rent is more than 5 days late

Rent Control

No statewide rent control. Washington does not currently have rent control at the state or local level.

Key Washington Landlord-Tenant Statutes

  • Wash. Rev. Code §§ 59.18.010–59.18.912

Required Disclosures in Washington

Washington law requires landlords to provide the following disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing:

  • Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
  • Mold disclosure
  • Flood zone disclosure

Ready to create your Washington lease agreement? Use the generator above to customize your agreement with Washington-specific provisions, then download it as a PDF or editable Word document. Need a general lease without state-specific provisions? Try our main Lease Agreement Generator.

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