What are a landlord’s rights to enter a tenants’s premises?
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What are a landlord’s rights to enter a tenants’s premises?
If tenant does not lock the windows in that room before leaving the house, would I the home owner have the right to enter said room to secure the premises before leaving myself without being accused of invasion of privacy?
Asked on May 31, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
In Washington, a landlord can enter the tenant's rental without notice in an emergency including a situation addressing an urgent problem. You could claim that not locking the windows is an urgent problem to prevent burglary, vandalism, etc. which would justify your entry without notice. In a non-emergency situation, Washington law requires a landlord to give 48 hours written notice before entering the tenant's rental property. If the landlord's reason for entry is to show the rental to a prospective tenant or prospective purchaser, Washington law requires 24 hours notice to the current tenant.
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