In Washington, a landlord’s right to access is strictly governed by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18.150). A landlord cannot enter your unit without notice or a court order, except in very specific emergencies.
Notice Requirements
For non-emergencies, the landlord must provide written notice and enter only at reasonable times:
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2 days’ notice for repairs, maintenance, or general inspections.
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1 day’s notice for showing the property to prospective tenants or buyers.
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The notice must include a specific date and time (or a narrow time range) and a phone number where you can object or reschedule.
When Permission is NOT Required
A landlord may enter without your consent or advance notice only in these cases:
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Emergencies: To prevent immediate damage to life or property (e.g., fire, major flood, or gas leak).
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Abandonment: If the landlord has a legitimate, documented reason to believe you have permanently moved out.
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Court Order: If a judge has granted a warrant or order for access.
The information for this answer was found on our Washington Landlord Tenant Rights answers.