Landlord Tenant

The City of Lakewood is invested in ensuring all citizens have access to the rights that govern landlord tenant laws in the State of Washington. The Residential Landlord Tenant Law (RLTL) governs how both landlords and tenants must work together in Washington State. The RLTL is covered under RCW 59.18 and can be read in its entirety by going to this link: RCW 59.18 or Tenant Rights WA State

Understanding RCW 59.18 can be challenging. For this reason, Washington Law Help has created a vast number of resources that may help landlords and tenants more clearly understand their rights and responsibilities. Resources provided by Washington Law Help can be located at: Washington Law Help

If you are currently a resident of Pierce County, you have access to free legal resources to work on your behalf regarding your rights as a tenant in Washington. Northwest Justice is a free legal resource that will not only answer your questions, but in many circumstances will provide free legal advocacy in Court. To learn more about what NW Justice offers, you can view their website at: NW Justice

Do you need to speak to an attorney? CallCLEAR, Washington’s toll-free, centralized intake, advice and referral service for low-income people seeking free legal assistance with civil legal problems. Call 1-(888) 201-1014 weekdays from 9:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. CLEAR works with a language line to provide interpreters as needed at no cost to callers. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call 1-(888) 201-1014 using your preferred TTY or Video relay service. Persons 60 and Over: Persons 60 or over may call CLEAR*Sr at 1-(888) 387-7111, regardless of income.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding tenants rights in Washington State:

My apartment has mold. What can I do about mold?

The Department of Health suggests that mold is not the health hazard often believed to be. For information regarding mold in your home, contact: MOLD

My landlord refuses to make repairs. What are my rights regarding repairs?

For information regarding tenants right to repairs, review Repairs

I have moved out, and my landlord refuses to give me back my deposits. What can I do?

For information regarding your rights to refund of deposits, review Deposits

If the above resources do not answer your questions, and you live within the city limits, you can contact Lakewood’s Landlord Tenant hotline at (253) 983-7850 or email your concerns to: .