Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.354
Threatening behavior by landlord -- Termination of agreement -- Financial obligations.
Operative Text
If a tenant is threatened by the landlord with a firearm or other deadly weapon as defined in RCW 9A.04.110 , and the threat leads to an arrest of the landlord, then the tenant may terminate the rental agreement and quit the premises without further obligation under the rental agreement. The tenant is discharged from payment of rent for any period following the quitting date, and is 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 .
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.354, if a landlord threatens a tenant with a firearm or other deadly weapon—as that term is defined under Washington law—and that threat results in the landlord's arrest, the rental agreement may be ended by the tenant without any remaining financial liability. From the date the tenant vacates, no further rent is owed, and any prepaid rent must be refunded on a pro-rated basis. The landlord is also required to provide a full, itemized accounting of any deposit deductions along with any deposit refund owed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.354, a landlord whose arrest stems from threatening a tenant with a deadly weapon triggers the tenant's right to immediately exit the tenancy free of further financial obligation. Compliant operators understand that in such a scenario they must promptly process a pro-rated refund of prepaid rent and provide a complete, specific written statement of any deposit deductions in accordance with RCW 59.18.280. Maintaining lawful, non-threatening conduct toward tenants is the baseline expectation that prevents this provision from ever coming into play.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.354 gives tenants a specific right to walk away from a rental agreement—without owing any additional rent—if their landlord threatens them with a firearm or other deadly weapon and that threat leads to the landlord's arrest. Tenants in this situation are entitled to a pro-rated refund of prepaid rent and a detailed written accounting of any deposit withholdings under RCW 59.18.280. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their circumstances may want to document the incident carefully, contact a local tenant-rights organization, or explore whether a complaint with a relevant housing authority is appropriate.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.