Rent Refund After Fire

Summary

If your rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to a fire, your landlord must refund rent for the days you couldnt occupy it. This is mandated by the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, RCW 59.18.090. You may also be entitled to reasonable relocation costs.

Full Conversation

My apartment that I rent was deemed inhabitable due to a building fire. I was forced to vacate with 13 days of already paid rent. Is the landlord responsible to pay me back those days
Hello ****. In many jurisdictions, landlords are obligated to refund rent for the time you are unable to occupy the rental due to uninhabitable conditions. Can you please tell me your location so I can provide more specific information?
Seattle, WA
Hello ****, in Seattle, WA:
- If your rental unit becomes uninhabitable, your landlord is responsible to refund your rent for the days you couldn't occupy it due to the fire.
- You may also be entitled to reasonable relocation costs under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of Washington State.
Can you send me which law that the landlord is responsible to refund for the days you couldn’t occupy
Sure, ****. The law that states your landlord's responsibility to refund the rent for days you couldn't occupy is under:
- Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, RCW *.*.*.
- Specifically, it states the landlord must maintain fit premises and if they fail, the tenant can terminate the rental agreement.