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Different cities may have different codes, rules & regulations regarding rentals.
For instance, the Seattle Municipal Code includes requirements that there be deadbolts on entry doors, dead bolts or other approved locking devices on all sliding patio doors, that locks be re-keyed between tenants and the prohibition against double cylinder deadbolts. It also specifies the type of locks required on garage doors and on opening windows.
In order to reduce liability to the owner, it is a good idea to re-key locks between tenants even in municipalities that don’t require this action. Do yourself a favor! Be knowledgeable regarding the rules and regulations specific to your town!
SEE: http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Publications/CAM/cam604.pdf for more details.
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Nothing found herein should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a legal opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of law. You should obtain the advice of an attorney well versed in these matters.
Washington State landlord tenant law says a tenant cannot be charged for any normal wear and tear that occurs to the rental property. Even if a tenant does damage to the property the cost of repair or replacement may need to be depreciated. For instance, HUD has indicated that interior paint in a rental property has a life expectancy of two years and carpeting has a life of six years. Based on this, if a tenant has been in the property for more than two years, routine painting would be considered normal wear and tear. If the carpeting was new at move in and after three years the carpeting had to be replaced again, the owner could charge the tenant for half the cost of replacement.
property, the landlord may be liable. An unlicensed contractor and his/her employees become employees of the landlord. An injured worker could sue the homeowner and may be able to collect worker’s compensation from the homeowner’s insurance. Many landlord insurance policies exclude claims arising from the use of unlicensed contractors.
