Washington — Ch. 26 Art. III Housing § 26-60
Roof maintenance
Operative Text
The roof of every house shall be kept in good repair and so as not to leak, and all rainwater shall be drained or conveyed therefrom to prevent its dripping on the ground or causing dampness in the walls, yard, or area.
Washington Ch. 26 Art. III Housing § 26-60 establishes that every residential roof must be maintained in a watertight condition, free from leaks. Beyond simply not leaking, the rule also requires that rainwater be properly directed away from the structure so it does not drip onto the ground or create dampness in walls, yards, or surrounding areas. The provision addresses both the roof surface itself and the drainage system that manages water runoff.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 26-60, compliant property operators routinely inspect roofs for signs of deterioration, leaks, or failed drainage components such as gutters and downspouts. Operators generally ensure that rainwater is channeled away from the building's walls and foundation, preventing moisture intrusion that could lead to structural or habitability issues. Keeping maintenance records and scheduling periodic professional inspections are practices commonly associated with meeting this standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 26-60 gives occupants a basis to raise concerns when a roof leaks or when poor drainage causes dampness in walls, yards, or adjacent areas. Tenants who observe these conditions may document them with photographs and written notices to the landlord, and can explore filing a complaint with the local housing or code enforcement office in their jurisdiction. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what remedies or defenses may be available when a landlord fails to meet the roof maintenance standard set out in § 26-60.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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