All of us value our privacy and feeling of safety, whether we are a homeowner or a renter. It’s always helpful to put ourselves in the position of the other person and determine how we would react at an unannounced entry by anyone, even a much-trusted relative, a friendly neighbor or a landlord. It’s usually the unexpectedness of the event that causes stress. Depending on the person, the reactions can be anything from a brief startle to anger. It’s important that all landlords and their tenants know what the landlord’s right of entry entails.

Tenants have the right to a 48-hour notice prior to entry for routine matters. Tenants should be aware that most landlords or property managers need to enter the unit on average twice a year (with appropriate notice, of course), to check batteries in the smoke detectors, check for leaks, change filters in the furnace, etc. These are for the tenant’s own safety, health and well-being, as well as to satisfy insurance requirements, and for the landlord’s peace of mind.

However, Washington State Landlord-Tenant Law states that if the unit is being shown to a prospective buyer or to a potential new tenant, only 24 hours notice is necessary. A tenant who refuses reasonable entry to the landlord or property manager can be fined up to $100 for each subsequent violation, and a landlord who does not give proper notice and violates the privacy of the tenant can also be fined up to $100 for each subsequent violation.

For full answer please go to spokesmanhomes.com
Landlord Association of the Inland NW
3 S. Washington Street, Spokane, WA 99201
www.landlordassoc.org • 509-535-1018