Washington § 59.18.070 - Landlord — Failure to perform duties — Notice from tenant — Contents — Time limits for landlord's remedial action.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.070 — Landlord — Failure to perform duties — Notice from tenant — Contents — Time limits for landlord's remedial action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 59.18.070. Landlord — Failure to perform duties — Notice from tenant — Contents — Time limits for landlord's remedial action.

If at any time during the tenancy the landlord fails to carry out the duties required by RCW 59.18.060 or by the rental agreement, the tenant may, in addition to pursuit of remedies otherwise provided him or her by law, deliver written notice to the person designated in *RCW 59.18.060(14), or to the person who collects the rent, which notice shall specify the premises involved, the name of the owner, if known, and the nature of the defective condition. The landlord shall commence remedial action after receipt of such notice by the tenant as soon as possible but not later than the following time periods, except where circumstances are beyond the landlord's control:
(1) Not more than twenty-four hours, where the defective condition deprives the tenant of hot or cold water, heat, or electricity, or is imminently hazardous to life;
(2) Not more than seventy-two hours, where the defective condition deprives the tenant of the use of a refrigerator, range and oven, or a major plumbing fixture supplied by the landlord; and
(3) Not more than ten days in all other cases.
In each instance the burden shall be on the landlord to see that remedial work under this section is completed promptly. If completion is delayed due to circumstances beyond the landlord's control, including the unavailability of financing, the landlord shall remedy the defective condition as soon as possible.
[ 2010 c 8 s 19018; 1989 c 342 s 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 207 s 7.]

Notes

*Reviser's note: RCW 59.18.060 was amended by 2013 c 35 s 1, changing subsection (14) to subsection (15). RCW 59.18.060 was subsequently amended by 2026 c 234 s 1, changing subsection (15) to subsection (16).

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 59.18.070

What does Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.070 cover?

Section 59.18.070 ("Landlord — Failure to perform duties — Notice from tenant — Contents — Time limits for landlord's remedial action.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 59.18.070?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.070" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 59.18.070 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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