Landlord Inspection Requirements Washington

Summary

In Washington, landlords must conduct a move-in inspection if a security deposit is collected. A move-out inspection is not required but recommended. If a landlord fails to provide a move-in checklist, tenants may request the return of their deposit. For mold issues, tenants can seek rent abatement, sue for damages, and request relocation costs. Tenants can also hire their own mold inspector and deduct costs from rent if mold is confirmed. Both tenants and their partners can file individual lawsuits for damages, including rent abatement, property damage, relocation costs, medical bills, and mental health damages.

Full Conversation

is it legally required for a landlord in Washington state to conduct move-in and move out inspections
Hey ****! In Washington state, landlords are required to conduct a move-in inspection and provide a written move-in checklist if they collect a security deposit. A move-out inspection is not legally required, but it is highly recommended.
Do you have any other questions about your rental situation?
What if one was not performed in a deposit was given
In Washington state, if a landlord collected a security deposit but did not conduct a move-in inspection or provide a written move-in checklist, you may have grounds to request the return of your security deposit. Here are the key points:
- Landlords must provide a written move-in checklist if they collect a security deposit.
- Without this checklist, landlords may have difficulty proving damages for which they could deduct from your deposit.
Would you like more information on how to proceed with requesting your deposit back?
Yes
To proceed with requesting your security deposit back, you can follow these steps:
*. Write a Formal Request: Send a written request to your landlord asking for the return of your security deposit, referencing the lack of a move-in inspection and checklist.
*. Documentation: Keep copies of all communications.
*. Legal Action: If your landlord does not comply, you may need to take legal action, such as filing a small claims court case.
Would you like more detailed guidance on any of these steps?
Can you please provide me with a formal request?
Certainly, ****! Here's a template you can use for your formal request:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Landlord's Name]
[Landlord's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request the return of my security deposit for the rental property located at [Rental Property Address], which I vacated on [Move-Out Date].
As per Washington state law, landlords are required to conduct a move-in inspection and provide a written move-in checklist if they collect a security deposit. To date, I have not received a move-in inspection report or checklist from you. Without this documentation, it may be difficult for you to prove any damages that could justify deductions from my security deposit.
In light of this, I kindly request the full return of my security deposit in the amount of $[Deposit Amount] within [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 14 days] from the date of this letter. Please send the deposit to my forwarding address listed above.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Would you like more assistance with this or any other part of the process?
Yes we have found black mold in the house. What is all of the laws that are relevant to that and are we entitled for getting our rent money back or any funds that we’ve given her or worked for due to living in unhealthy living conditions, and she was aware that there was black mold in the house and failed to tell us
Relevant Laws and Tenant Rights in Washington State:
- Landlord's Duty to Maintain: Landlords must provide habitable living conditions, including addressing mold issues.
- Implied Warranty of Habitability: Tenants can withhold rent if the landlord fails to address health hazards like black mold.
- Notice and Repair: Tenants must notify landlords of the issue and allow reasonable time for repairs.
- Constructive Eviction: If the landlord fails to repair, tenants may have grounds for breaking the lease without penalty.
Steps to Take:
*. Document the Mold: Take photos and gather evidence.
*. Notify the Landlord: Send a written notice about the mold issue.
*. Request Inspection: Ask for a professional inspection.
*. Consider Legal Action: If unresolved, you can pursue rent abatement or sue for damages.
Would you like a template for notifying your landlord about the mold issue?
I would like more information about the rent, abatement and suing for damages
Sure, here's a brief overview of rent abatement and suing for damages in Washington state:
- Rent Abatement: You can withhold a portion of rent if the landlord fails to address health hazards like mold.
- Suing for Damages: You may sue for damages if the landlord was aware of the mold and did not take action, causing you harm or financial loss.
Would you like detailed steps on how to proceed with either of these actions?
Yes both please she was fully aware from the previous tenant that there is black mold everywhere in this house and she did not disclose any of this information to us. We have pictures from the previous tenants and we also have done our own mold test and sent them to labs, and you can just clearly see the mold going through the walls
To proceed with rent abatement and suing for damages, follow these steps:
Rent Abatement:
*. Notify the Landlord: Send a formal written notice about the mold issue, including your evidence.
*. Withhold Rent: Start withholding a portion of your rent, but keep this amount aside in case you need to pay it later.
*. Document Everything: Keep records of all communications and evidence of the mold.
Suing for Damages:
*. Gather Evidence: Collect all photos, lab results, and communications showing the mold issue and landlord's knowledge.
*. Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand the specific damages you can claim.
*. File a Complaint: You may need to file a lawsuit in small claims court or a higher court, depending on the amount of damages.
Would you like help drafting the formal notice to your landlord about the mold issue?
Yes and how would I be able to differentiate between suing her first small claims court or higher and what are all of the damages that can be included in the lawsuit
Case Rating: *
To differentiate between suing in small claims court or a higher court, consider the following:
- Small Claims Court: Handles cases involving smaller amounts of money. In Washington, the limit is generally $*,*.
- Higher Court: For claims exceeding $*,* or more complex cases.
Damages to Include:
- Rent Abatement: Refund of rent paid during uninhabitable conditions.
- Medical Bills: Costs related to health issues caused by mold.
- Property Damage: Replacement or repair costs for personal items damaged by mold.
- Relocation Costs: Expenses for moving to a new, safe place.
Would you like help drafting the formal notice to your landlord about the mold issue?
Yes please
Sure thing, ****! Here's a template for notifying your landlord about the mold issue:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Landlord's Name]
[Landlord's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally notify you of a significant mold issue in the rental property located at [Rental Property Address]. This issue was previously brought to your attention by past tenants, yet it remains unaddressed.
We have documented evidence, including photographs and lab results, which clearly show the presence of black mold in the home. This situation has created an unsafe living environment, which violates the implied warranty of habitability as required by Washington state law.
I kindly request immediate professional inspection and remediation of the mold issue. Additionally, I am seeking the following:
- Rent abatement for the duration of the uninhabitable conditions.
- Possible reimbursement for medical bills and property damage caused by mold exposure.
- Relocation costs, if necessary.
Please respond to this notice within [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 7days] to confirm your plan of action. Failure to address this issue promptly may compel us to withhold rent and pursue legal action for damages.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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If you need further assistance or have more questions about your rights or legal actions, feel free to ask!
my own professional to come check the mold out I don’t trust her or anybody that she would say is professional
****, you can request to hire your own professional to inspect the mold. Here are the next steps:
- Notify your landlord in writing of your intent to hire your own mold inspector.
- Include that you will deduct the inspection cost from your rent if the mold is confirmed.
- Document all communications and evidence.
Would you like a template for notifying your landlord about this?
yes
Sure, here's a template for notifying your landlord about hiring your own mold inspector:
---
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Landlord's Name]
[Landlord's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you of my intention to hire a professional mold inspector to assess the mold issue in the rental property located at [Rental Property Address]. Given the ongoing health concerns and previous lack of resolution, I believe it is necessary to have an independent inspection.
If the inspection confirms the presence of mold, I will deduct the cost of the inspection from my rent. I will provide you with a copy of the inspection report and any related documentation.
Please respond within [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 7 days] to acknowledge this notice and advise if you have any objections.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Would you like further assistance with any other part of the process?
Since my fiancé and I aren’t married can we each individually sue her?
Yes, both you and your fiancé can individually sue the landlord, even if you are not married. Each of you can file a separate lawsuit for damages incurred due to the mold issue and any other associated claims.
Would you like more information on how to file individual lawsuits?
Yes
Sure, here’s some guidance on how to file individual lawsuits in Washington state:
Filing Individual Lawsuits
*. Small Claims Court:
- Limit: $*,* per individual.
- Steps:
*. Complete a small claims court form.
*. File it with the court clerk.
*. Serve your landlord with the lawsuit papers.
*. Higher Court (if damages exceed $*,*):
- Steps:
*. File a complaint in the appropriate court.
*. Serve the landlord with a copy.
*. Attend all required court hearings.
Would you like more details on the specific forms or steps for either court?
Yes
Sure, here are the detailed steps for filing a lawsuit in both Small Claims Court and Higher Court in Washington state:
Small Claims Court:
*. Complete the Form:
- Obtain the small claims court form from your local courthouse or online.
*. File with Court Clerk:
- Submit the completed form to the court clerk and pay the filing fee.
*. Serve the Landlord:
- Serve your landlord with the lawsuit papers using a process server or certified mail.
Higher Court (if damages exceed $*,*):
*. File a Complaint:
- Draft a complaint outlining your claims and file it with the appropriate court.
*. Serve the Landlord:
- Serve a copy of the complaint and a summons to your landlord.
*. Attend Hearings:
- Attend all required court hearings and present your evidence.
Would you like more information on how to draft a complaint for Higher Court or how to serve the landlord?
Yes please
Drafting a Complaint for Higher Court
Here's a basic outline to help you draft a complaint for Higher Court:
*. Caption:
- Court name, your name as plaintiff, landlord's name as defendant, and case number (leave blank for court to assign).
*. Introduction:
- Briefly state the parties involved and the nature of the complaint.
*. Jurisdiction:
- Explain why the court has jurisdiction over the case.
*. Facts:
- Detailed description of the mold issue, landlord's awareness, and failure to act.
*. Claims:
- List legal claims (e.g., breach of implied warranty of habitability).
*. Damages:
- Outline the damages you're seeking (rent abatement, medical expenses, property damage, etc.).
*. Prayer for Relief:
- Specify what you want the court to award you (e.g., monetary compensation).
*. Signature:
- Sign and date the complaint.
Serving the Landlord
*. Process Server:
- Hire a process server to deliver the complaint and summons to your landlord.
*. Certified Mail:
- Alternatively,you can serve the documents via certified mail with a return receipt requested.
Would you like a detailed template for drafting the complaint?
so just to be clear if there is a valid proof from professionals saying that there is black mold in here I can get all the money that I’ve already paid in rent. I can sue her for the damages to all my furniture and any house costs and I could also Ask for money to have for all my relocating costs. Could I also sue her for the mental health damages that she’s caused due to this? And how much do people typically suit for mental health damages?
You can potentially sue for:
- Rent Abatement: Refund of rent paid during uninhabitable conditions.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for damaged furniture.
- Relocation Costs: Expenses for moving to a new place.
- Medical Bills: Costs related to health issues caused by mold.
- Mental Health Damages: Possible, but harder to quantify. Amounts vary widely and depend on proof and jurisdiction.
Would you like more details on how to calculate mental health damages?
Yes and I would like more information on how to calculate all of these issues and would like the templatefor the higher courts lawsuit
Calculating Damages:
*. Rent Abatement:
- Calculate the total rent paid during the time you lived in unsafe conditions.

*. Property Damage:
- Estimate the cost to repair or replace damaged furniture.
- Use receipts or market value as references.
*. Relocation Costs:
- Include moving expenses, temporary housing, and related costs.
*. Medical Bills:
- Add up all related medical expenses, including treatment and medication.
*. Mental Health Damages:
- Document emotional distress (e.g., therapy costs, emotional impact).
- Consult with a mental health professional for an assessment.
- Amounts vary; consult a lawyer for specific guidance.
Template for Higher Court Lawsuit:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: Complaint for Damages
Plaintiff: [Your Name]
Defendant:[Landlord's Name]
Case Number: [To be filled by the court]
Introduction:
I, [Your Name], hereby file this complaint against [Landlord's Name] for failing to address significant mold issues in the rental property located at [Rental Property Address].
Jurisdiction:
This court has jurisdiction over the matter as the property is located in [City, State], and the damages exceed the small claims limit of $*,*.
Facts:
*. The presence of black mold was documented through photographs and lab results.
*. The landlord was aware of the mold issue, as confirmed by previous tenants and communication records.
*. Despite notification, the landlord failed to take adequate action to remediate the mold.
Claims:
*. Breach of the implied warranty of habitability.
*. Negligence in maintaining a safe living environment.
*. Infliction of emotional distress.
Damages:
*. Rent Abatement: [Total Rent Paid].
*. Property Damage: [Estimated Cost for Furniture Repair/Replacement].
*. Relocation Costs: [Estimated Moving Expenses].
*. Medical Bills: [Total Medical Expenses].
*. Mental Health Damages: [Consult Lawyer for Specific Amount].
**Prayer for
What do you mean by prayer for?
Case Rating: *
In legal terms, "prayer for relief" is the section of a complaint where you specify what you are asking the court to grant you. This could include monetary compensation, specific actions by the defendant, or other remedies.
Here's an example for your context:
---
Prayer for Relief:
Wherefore, the Plaintiff requests that this Court grant the following relief:
*. Full rent abatement for the duration of the uninhabitable conditions.
*. Compensation for property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing damaged furniture.
*. Reimbursement for relocation costs due to unsafe living conditions.
*. Payment of all medical bills related to health issues caused by mold exposure.
*. Damages for emotional distress and mental health impacts.
*. Any other relief the Court deems just and proper.
---
Would you like to include this in your complaint template?
Yes please
Sure, here's the complete template with the "Prayer for Relief" section included:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: Complaint for Damages
Plaintiff: [Your Name]
Defendant: [Landlord's Name]
Case Number: [To be filled by the court]
Introduction:
I, [Your Name], hereby file this complaint against [Landlord's Name] for failing to address significant mold issues in the rental property located at [Rental Property Address].
Jurisdiction:
This court has jurisdiction over the matter as the property is located in [City, State], and the damages exceed the small claims limit of $*,*.
Facts:
*. The presence of black mold was documented through photographs and lab results.
*. The landlord was aware of the mold issue, as confirmed by previous tenants and communication records.
*. Despite notification, the landlordfailed to take adequate action to remediate the mold.
Claims:
*. Breach of the implied warranty of habitability.
*. Negligence in maintaining a safe living environment.
*. Infliction of emotional distress.
Damages:
*. Rent Abatement: [Total Rent Paid].
*. Property Damage: [Estimated Cost for Furniture Repair/Replacement].
*. Relocation Costs: [Estimated Moving Expenses].
*. Medical Bills: [Total Medical Expenses].
*. Mental Health Damages: [Consult Lawyer for Specific Amount].
Prayer for Relief:
Wherefore, the Plaintiff requests that this Court grant the following relief:
*. Full rent abatement for the duration of the uninhabitable conditions.
*. Compensation for property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing damaged furniture.
*. Reimbursement for relocation costs due to unsafe living conditions.
*. Payment of all medical bills related to health issues caused by mold exposure.
*. Damages for emotional distress and mental health impacts.
*. Any other relief the Court deems just and proper.
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Would you like more information or help with any other part of the process?