For questions on any landlord, tenant, or property management  problem, call 1-833-276-2509 (1-833-BROA-509). You will reach the our answering system which will connect you with a knowledgeable volunteer who will answer your question.

On a few cases, you may be given the name of several attorneys whom  we use and are very knowledgeable in landlord/tenant law.

This Section is dedicated to helping tenants understand their rights, and in doing so Landlords can also educate themselves on these same issues to avoid some common mistakes. There are a lot of free resources for Tenant’s so this will focus in on the top areas that will make your relationship with your landlord or property management less strained, and when problems do arise potential legal actions can be avoided.

The short answer is YES.
Similar to Home Owners Insurance, rental insurance will protect your property (including vehicles parked at the property), and potential damages you may be liable to the rental property. The Landlord’s Property insurance does not cover your property, but only their property and potential liability.

Benefits of Renters Insurance

If you know you cannot pay your rent due to an immediate hardship, contact your landlord as soon as possible, they maybe aware of resources available that will help you to pay your rent until you get back on your feet. Waiting until you receive this notice puts both yourself and the landlord in an uncomfortable situation that will likely put you both at odds with each other, rather than working it out amicably. A good spot to start your rental assistance search is the Housing/Rent Assistance – Washington State Department of Commerce.

Owning a pet and being allowed to own a pet in a rental is a privilege and not a right. Each pet policy can be unique to a rental agreement. If the landlord chooses to not allow pets bringing any pet is a material violation of your rental agreement or lease and you will likely receive a Notice to comply, if you do not a landlord can pursue legal action to start the eviction process. If you have 4 Notices within a year the Landlord can pursue legal action even if you comply.

Typically pet policies range from what breads are allowed, some may use PetScreening.com where you pay a fee to screen your pet, to filling out an agreement and paying a pet fee, or even pet rents. Keep in mind that these fees do not cover damages caused by your pets, which you will still be liable for as they happen.

Service Animals and Emotional Support are exempt from any fees, however you still need to document that you have gone through the process to allow the Landlord to determine the feasibility of providing an accommodation a service or emotional support animal, and provide documentation to support your need for them. A Landlord may choose to again use PetScreening.com to make this process easier, only you will not pay any fees in regards to the screening.

This depends on your lease and rental agreement. Most Landlords will either request for any modification that involves hanging heavy objects to a wall, ceiling or making any modification to the property. Some may have designated walls that are prepared for this purpose, or they may request that you refrain from hanging any heavy objects including TV mounts from there walls. Doing so could be a material violation of the agreement and you will be liable for any damages to bring you back into compliance with your lease agreement.

Best practice is to contact your landlord in writing to request repairs. Depending on the item the landlord may allow you to make the repair. However most landlords will either do the repair themselves or hire a qualified contactor to do the work to protect their investment and avoid any safety liabilities. This is also one of the great benefits of being a renter, is not having to fix or provide major maintenance on your place of residence.
So when making requests, it is better to make sure your landlord is aware as soon as possible, especially if water damage, fire damage, electrical, heating, cooling, and if there is a safety hazard created by the issue or damage. These types of repairs may be covered by Landlord Tenant law, and a Landlord must respond and make reasonable attempts to repair these items as soon as possible.

Tenant Resources

Fair Housing – Top 100 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

HUD’s Fair Housing Office
1-206-220-5328
Kristina Miller, kristina.miller@hud.gov