Washington Lease Agreement Template
Reviewed by the Agiled editorial teamUpdated June 2026
The lease template below works in Washington once you fill in the state-specific numbers — and those numbers are what this page covers: the deposit cap, how fast the deposit must come back, how much notice the landlord owes before entering, and what it takes to end a month-to-month tenancy. The download is the same attorney-style boilerplate as our standard lease; Washington law fills in the blanks.
Washington lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit cap | No statutory cap (move-in fees + deposit limited to 1 month on some tenancies; checklist required) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after move-out (extended from 21 in 2023) |
| Landlord entry notice | 2 days' notice (1 day to show the unit) |
| Month-to-month termination notice | 20 days' written notice from the tenant; landlords need statutory cause (2021 law) |
| Late fees | Must be reasonable; $10/month cap where rent is subsidized |
State laws change frequently and this summary is not legal advice. Verify current rules against the state statute or with a licensed attorney before relying on them.
How Washington handles lease agreements
Washington effectively ended no-cause terminations in 2021 — landlords must cite a statutory reason to end most tenancies — while tenants can still leave on 20 days' notice, the shortest tenant-side period in the nation. In Washington, the security deposit rule is: no statutory cap (move-in fees + deposit limited to 1 month on some tenancies; checklist required). After move-out, the landlord's deadline to return the deposit is 30 days after move-out (extended from 21 in 2023), and ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 20 days' written notice from the tenant; landlords need statutory cause (2021 law). Confirm current figures against the state statute before signing — legislatures amend landlord-tenant law frequently.
Washington lease agreement FAQs
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?
No statutory cap (move-in fees + deposit limited to 1 month on some tenancies; checklist required). Put the exact deposit amount in the lease, along with where it is held, and check the current statute — several states have recently lowered their caps.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
30 days after move-out (extended from 21 in 2023). The return should include an itemized statement for any deductions; missing the statutory deadline can expose the landlord to penalty damages in many states.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Washington?
2 days' notice (1 day to show the unit). Even where no statute sets a number, writing a notice period into the lease (24–48 hours is the national norm) protects both sides.
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Washington?
20 days' written notice from the tenant; landlords need statutory cause (2021 law). Give notice in writing and keep proof of delivery — the notice period is one of the most commonly litigated lease terms.
The full lease agreement guide
Clause-by-clause guidance, common mistakes, and the complete template text live on the main page: Lease Agreement Template — full guide and download.