Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.090
Landlord's failure to remedy defective condition -- Tenant's choice of actions.
Operative Text
If, after receipt of written notice, and expiration of the applicable period of time, as provided in RCW 59.18.070 , the landlord fails to remedy the defective condition within a reasonable time the tenant may: (1) Terminate the rental agreement and quit the premises upon written notice to the landlord without further obligation under the rental agreement, in which case he or she shall be discharged from payment of rent for any period following the quitting date, and shall be entitled to a pro rata refund of any prepaid rent, and shall receive a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit together with any refund due in accordance with RCW 59.18.280 ; (2) Bring an action in an appropriate court, or at arbitration if so agreed, for any remedy provided under this chapter or otherwise provided by law; or (3) Pursue other remedies available under this chapter.
Under Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, specifically Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.090, when a landlord receives proper written notice of a defective condition and fails to fix it within the time period set out in RCW 59.18.070, the law gives tenants a set of options. These options include terminating the rental agreement and vacating without further rent obligation, pursuing a legal or arbitration remedy, or seeking other remedies available under the chapter. A tenant who terminates under this provision is entitled to a pro rata refund of prepaid rent and a full accounting of any deposit withheld.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.090, property owners and managers who receive written notice of a defective condition are expected to act within the timeframes established by RCW 59.18.070 to avoid triggering the tenant's statutory remedies. Compliant operators typically document their repair efforts, communicate progress to tenants in writing, and complete repairs within the applicable period. Failure to do so can expose a rental operation to lease termination, court or arbitration proceedings, and obligations to refund prepaid rent and provide a detailed deposit accounting.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.090 outlines the remedies available to you if your landlord has received proper written notice of a defective condition and has not corrected it within the time allowed under RCW 59.18.070. Depending on the circumstances, the law recognizes options such as terminating the tenancy and leaving without further rent liability, filing a claim in court or through arbitration, or pursuing other remedies the chapter provides. Tenants who believe their landlord has failed to act may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand which paths are available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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