Tenant Rights

Washington State Residential Landlord/Tenant Act provides great protection to tenants.  In a lease/rental agreement, the rights of a tenant can be increased, but cannot be decreased.   Whatever provision offers the greatest protection or benefit to the tenant will stand in court, whether it comes from the Landlord/Tenant Act, the Seattle Rental Ordinance or the terms of the lease.  For example, if the lease calls for a 30 day notice to vacate and the Landlord/Tenant Act requires a 20 day notice, 30 days' notice will be required.   If the Landlord/Tenant Act requires a 30 day notice to increase the rental rate and the lease specifies 20 days notice, the law would supersede the terms of the lease and 30 days' notice would be required.