There are several documents required by either state or federal law to make a landlord-tenant relationship legal. If each of these is not included, it could cost you down the line in time, money, and stress.

In some cases, tenants can even go to Small Claims Court and get damages. Defenses for lack of the legal documents are few and seldom successful. Do not cut corners or time by neglecting to have the required forms! Tenants and landlords need to know that these are the required forms in Washington State:

• Lease or Rental Agreement

• Property Condition Report (sometimes called Inspection Checklist or Inventory Checklist)

• Smoke Detector Form

• Mold and Mildew Addendum

If your rental unit is older than 1978, a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form is also required, along with the Lead-Based Paint Booklet given to the tenant. (Only the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and Booklet are required by the federal government; the others are required under the Landlord-Tenant Law section of the Revised Codes of Washington (RCWs).

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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