Washington Landlord Entry: 2 Days Notice

Quick Answer

Under RCW 59.18.150, a Washington landlord generally gives the tenant at least two days written notice before entering, unless there is an emergency or giving notice is impracticable. To show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants, one day is enough. The notice gives the exact date and time of entry, or a window with the earliest and latest times, and a phone number for objections or rescheduling. Statute text last checked October 22, 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Two days. Written notice for most entry.
• One day for showings. To buyers or prospective tenants.
• Details in the notice. Date and time or a window, plus a phone number.
• Emergency or abandonment. Entry without consent is allowed.
• No harassment. Do not abuse access or over-show the unit.

1. Contents of the Notice

Give the exact date and time of entry, or a window that states the earliest and latest possible times, and include a phone number where the tenant can raise objections or ask to reschedule. Entry must occur at reasonable times.

2. Consent

A tenant cannot unreasonably withhold consent for inspections, agreed or necessary repairs and improvements, services, or showings to buyers, lenders, tenants, workers or contractors.

3. Emergencies and Abandonment

You may enter without consent in an emergency or if the unit has been abandoned. Apart from those, you may enter only with a court order, an arbitrator’s authorization or the tenant’s consent.

4. Limits

You may not abuse the right of access, use it to harass the tenant, or show the unit so often that it unreasonably interferes with the tenant’s enjoyment.

5. Remedies Between Parties

If a landlord or tenant keeps violating the rules after receiving one written notice of a specific violation, the statute provides for up to $100 per violation, and the prevailing party may recover costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

6. A Checklist

1. Write a notice with date, time or window and a phone number.
2. Deliver at least two days ahead (one day for showings).
3. Enter at reasonable times.
4. Log each entry.
5. Write a same-day note for emergencies.

A Simple Notice

A short written notice does the job: the address, the date and a time window, the reason for entry, your phone number and a line inviting the tenant to suggest another time. Deliver it at least two days ahead by a method you can document, and keep a copy. A polite tone and a firm window make cooperation easy.

Showings

When showing the unit, one day’s notice is enough under the statute, but group visits into a few windows and tell the tenant the dates in advance. Repeated, unpredictable showings are the kind of pattern the statute’s limit on excessive showing addresses.

7. What This Guide Does Not Cover

This guide covers RCW 59.18.150. It does not cover Seattle ordinances, inspections required by other laws, or tenant remedies in detail. It states the statute and does not predict how a court will rule.

8. Questions Owners Ask

Is a text message written notice? Use a method you can document and that the lease allows.

Can I show the unit with one day’s notice? Yes, for prospective buyers or tenants.

What if I cannot give notice? The statute excepts emergencies and situations where notice is impracticable.