Washington § 59.20.200 - Landlord — Failure to carry out duties — Notice from tenant — Time limits for landlord's remedial action.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 59.20.200 — Landlord — Failure to carry out duties — Notice from tenant — Time limits for landlord's remedial action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 59.20.200. Landlord — Failure to carry out duties — Notice from tenant — 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 59.20.130, the tenant may, in addition to pursuit of remedies otherwise provided the tenant by law, deliver written notice to the landlord, which notice shall specify the property involved, the name of the owner, if known, and the nature of the defective condition. For the purposes of this chapter, a reasonable time for the landlord to commence remedial action after receipt of such notice by the tenant shall be, except where circumstances are beyond the landlord's control;
(1) Not more than twenty-four hours, where the defective condition is imminently hazardous to life;
(2) Not more than forty-eight hours, where the landlord fails to provide water, electricity, or sewer or septic service to the extent required under RCW 59.20.130(6);
(3) Subject to the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, not more than seven days in the case of a repair under RCW 59.20.130(3);
(4) Not more than thirty 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 with reasonable promptness.
Where circumstances beyond the landlord's control, including the availability of financing, prevent the landlord from complying with the time limitations set forth in this section, the landlord shall endeavor to remedy the defective condition with all reasonable speed.
[ 2012 c 213 s 5; 1984 c 58 s 6.]

Notes

Severability—1984 c 58: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1984 c 58 s 18.]

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 59.20.200

What does Revised Code of Washington § 59.20.200 cover?

Section 59.20.200 ("Landlord — Failure to carry out duties — Notice from tenant — 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 § 59.20.200?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 59.20.200" (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 § 59.20.200 apply to my situation?

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