MOVING INTO A RENTAL?

The Washington State Landlord/Tenant Act requires a written move in inspection report, signed by both TENANT & LANDLORD, if a deposit is collected. If there’s no written inspection report, the landlord can’t withhold any portion of the deposit, even if the tenant significantly damages the property and owes back rent.

Without a written report, documenting the condition of the property at move in, it is impossible to prove that any damage didn’t pre-date the tenant’s occupancy. The law specifies a written report; photos can augment the inspection report but aren’t sufficient without the written report.