The rules are complex. We stay current so you don’t have to.

Legal compliance services for residential rental property owners.

Important: Welcome Home Properties is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only. For legal questions specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney. Our compliance services are part of our property management practice and are based on our understanding of applicable law as it relates to day-to-day property management.

Why compliance matters

Washington State has some of the most detailed landlord-tenant regulations in the country. The consequences of non-compliance range from unenforceable lease terms to financial penalties to personal liability.

  • An improperly served notice can invalidate an entire eviction proceeding.
  • A security deposit returned one day late can result in penalties up to twice the deposit amount.
  • A fair housing violation can lead to federal enforcement action.

Compliance is not optional, and it is not something you can figure out as you go.

Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

The RCW 59.18 Residential Landlord-Tenant Act governs most aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship in Washington. We manage your property in accordance with these requirements, including:

  • Required lease provisions and prohibited terms
  • Notice requirements for entry, rent increases, and lease changes
  • Habitability standards and repair obligations
  • Security deposit handling, documentation, and return timelines
  • Just cause eviction requirements (effective in many Washington jurisdictions)

Washington law changes frequently. We monitor legislative updates and adjust our practices accordingly.

Federal fair housing

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Washington State law adds additional protected classes including sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status.

  • Consistent screening criteria applied to every applicant
  • Advertising that complies with fair housing guidelines
  • Reasonable accommodation and modification processes
  • Documentation practices that demonstrate compliance

Fair housing is not just about avoiding complaints. It is about treating every person who interacts with your property with dignity and consistency.

Lease enforcement

A lease is only useful if it is enforced consistently. We handle lease violations through a clear, documented process:

  • Identification and documentation of the violation
  • Appropriate notice served in compliance with state law
  • Follow-up to verify cure or compliance
  • Escalation when necessary, including legal referral

We do not ignore lease violations, and we do not overreact to them. We follow the process the law requires.

Eviction management

Eviction is a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary. When it is, every step must be done correctly or the entire process can be invalidated.

  • Proper notice type and service method
  • Compliance with just cause eviction requirements where applicable
  • Coordination with qualified eviction attorneys
  • Documentation of the entire process
  • Post-eviction property recovery and turnover

We have managed evictions in the Walla Walla market and understand the local court process. When an eviction is necessary, we manage it efficiently and correctly.

Notice administration

Washington law is specific about what notices must say, when they must be delivered, and how they must be served. We handle:

  • Pay or vacate notices
  • Comply or vacate notices
  • Lease violation notices
  • Rent increase notices (with required lead time)
  • Entry notices
  • Lease non-renewal notices (where just cause permits)

Improper notice is one of the most common reasons eviction cases fail. We get this right.

Security deposit compliance

Washington has strict requirements for security deposit handling:

  • Written move-in condition report provided to the resident
  • Deposits held in a designated trust account
  • Itemized statement of deductions within 21 days of move-out
  • Deductions supported by documentation (photos, invoices, condition reports)

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties up to twice the deposit amount, plus attorney fees. We follow the process every time.

Legal Compliance Guarantee

We stand behind our compliance work. Our Legal Compliance Guarantee demonstrates our confidence in the processes we follow.

View all guarantees →

Stop worrying about whether you are doing it right.

Talk to Miles about how we handle compliance for your property.

Schedule Time with Miles Or call directly: (509) 525-1040
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