Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.240
Reprisals or retaliatory actions by landlord -- Prohibited.
Operative Text
So long as the tenant is in compliance with this chapter, the landlord shall not take or threaten to take reprisals or retaliatory action against the tenant because of any good faith and lawful: (1) Complaints or reports by the tenant to a governmental authority concerning the failure of the landlord to substantially comply with any code, statute, ordinance, or regulation governing the maintenance or operation of the premises, if such condition may endanger or impair the health or safety of the tenant; or (2) Assertions or enforcement by the tenant of his or her rights and remedies under this chapter. "Reprisal or retaliatory action" shall mean and include but not be limited to any of the following actions by the landlord when such actions are intended primarily to retaliate against a tenant because of the tenant's good faith and lawful act: (a) Eviction of the tenant; (b) Increasing the rent required of the tenant; (c) Reduction of services to the tenant; and (d) Increasing the obligations of the tenant.
Washington law under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.240 prohibits landlords from taking or threatening retaliatory action against tenants who, in good faith, report housing code violations to government authorities or exercise their legal rights under the state's residential landlord-tenant act. Retaliation is broadly defined to include eviction, rent increases, reduction of services, and increased obligations when those actions are primarily motivated by a desire to punish the tenant for protected activity. The protection applies as long as the tenant is otherwise complying with the requirements of the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.240, compliant property operators are careful to ensure that any rent increases, service changes, or eviction proceedings are grounded in legitimate, documented business or lease-related reasons rather than timed to coincide with a tenant's complaint or assertion of rights. Operators generally maintain records that demonstrate the independent basis for any adverse action taken against a tenant, particularly when that action follows a government inspection or a tenant's formal complaint. Awareness of the broad statutory definition of retaliation—which covers not just eviction but also increased obligations and reduced services—helps operators avoid actions that could be characterized as prohibited reprisals.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.240 gives tenants the right to report housing conditions to government agencies and to assert their legal rights without fear of eviction, rent hikes, service cuts, or added obligations imposed in retaliation. If a landlord takes adverse action shortly after a tenant engages in protected activity, that timing can be relevant to whether the action qualifies as a prohibited reprisal under this provision. Tenants who believe they are experiencing retaliation may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, reaching out to the relevant government agency that received the original complaint, or exploring whether the retaliation can be raised as a defense in any eviction or other legal proceeding.
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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