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Washington Lease-Signing Disclosures

Direct statutory answer

Washington landlords give written fire safety information and Department of Health mold information at lease signing, identify the landlord by name and address, and, for leases entered after December 31, 2026, disclose flood risk and that the landlord's insurance does not cover tenants' belongings.

WASHINGTON STATUTORY RECORDmove_in Washington Lease-Signing Disclosures § CODEStatute & Regulatory StandardStatutory Authority• Official state residential legal code• Binding statutory landlord duties• Judicial interpretation standardsStep 1: Notice DeliveryStep 2: Statutory Cure WindowStep 3: Judicial RemedyProcedural Workflow• Sequential statutory compliance• Documented date verification• Strict adherence avoids dismissalLEGALSAFE HARBORCompliance Protection• Landlord decision reconstructability• Reduced statutory damages liability• Full evidentiary audit readiness

Quick Answer

When a lease is signed, RCW 59.18.060 has the landlord give written notice about smoke detectors, sprinklers, alarms, smoking policy and emergency plans, provide the Department of Health mold information, and identify the landlord’s name and address with written notice of any change. For leases entered into after December 31, 2026, the landlord also discloses possible flood risk and that the landlord’s insurance does not cover tenants’ belongings. Statute text last checked October 22, 2026.

Washington Lease-Signing Disclosures: three key points WASHINGTON · KEY POINTS · CHECKED OCT 22, 2026 1 Fire safety notice 2 Mold information 3 Contact details

Key Takeaways

  • Fire safety notice. Smoke detectors, sprinklers, alarms, smoking policy and emergency plans.
  • Mold information. Department of Health materials at signing.
  • Contact details. Landlord name and address, with written notice of changes.
  • Flood and insurance. For leases entered after December 31, 2026.
  • Keep a signed packet. Proof of what was given and when.

1. Fire Safety Notice

Give the tenant written notice at signing covering smoke detectors, sprinklers, alarms, your smoking policy and emergency plans. Multi-unit buildings may use a checklist that includes an evacuation route diagram.

2. Mold Information

Provide the Department of Health mold information when the lease is signed. Keep the current version in your lease packet and replace it if the Department updates it.

3. Landlord Identity

Identify your name and address in the lease or packet, and tell tenants in writing of any change. Tenants need this information to send notices and payments.

4. Flood and Insurance Disclosures

For leases entered into after December 31, 2026, disclose possible flood risk and that your insurance does not cover the tenant’s belongings. Draft the wording now and add it to the packet before the date arrives.

5. The Signed Packet

Collect one signature page that lists each disclosure given. A single page makes it easy to show what was provided and on what date.

6. A Checklist

  1. List every required disclosure on one cover page.
  2. Attach current Department of Health mold information.
  3. Add the fire safety notice or checklist.
  4. Add flood and insurance wording for 2027 leases.
  5. Have the tenant sign and date the page.

Preparing for 2027

Draft your flood and insurance wording now and test it in a sample packet. Check flood maps for each property so the disclosure reflects what you know. A packet that is ready before January 1, 2027 saves a scramble on the first lease signing of the year.

Renewals

The statute speaks of leases entered into after December 31, 2026. For renewals, ask an attorney whether a new lease triggers the disclosure and treat the packet as part of your standard renewal checklist.

7. What This Guide Does Not Cover

This guide covers the disclosures. It does not cover lead paint disclosures, other statutes’ requirements, or local ordinances. It states the statute and does not predict how a court will rule.

8. Questions Owners Ask

When does the flood disclosure start? For leases entered into after December 31, 2026.

Is a checklist enough for fire safety? Multi-unit buildings may use a checklist that includes an evacuation route diagram.

Do I update the mold sheet? Keep the current Department of Health version in your packet.

Does not establish
This guide covers the lease-signing disclosures listed in RCW 59.18.060. It does not cover local ordinances such as Seattle's, commercial leases, federally assisted housing, or the facts of any individual dispute. For a specific dispute, talk with a Washington attorney.

This guide states the statutory rule as of the date checked; it does not establish that a specific notice or deduction decision was correct, or that it will hold in court.

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