Can I use my deposit for my last month’s rent? My landlord is in foreclosure, do I have to move out? How do I access my rights as a renter?
There is an immense need across many communities for renters to become educated on their rights. It is important to not only know the laws, but how they work in real life, and what the best practices are in using them.
Solid Ground Tenant Services has created an online tool to answer the many questions renters face across Washington State: www.solid-ground.org/Tenant
This website contains volumes of information on renters’ rights for Washington State residents. The entire website can be accessed by a convenient index on the left hand side of the page. Understanding the eviction process, getting a repair completed in your apartment, exactly how much a landlord can charge in screening fees for a housing application, and much more is covered. Not only that, we have included sample letters, direct links to the letter of the law, outside links to other tenants’ rights information, and a comprehensive resource page for renters. And at the end of most topic sections, there are extensive FAQs sections with convenient links that allow the reader to jump back and forth between questions.
However, just knowing the laws is not enough; becoming aware of the best practices in using them is essential for all renters to protect themselves from abuse or retaliation.
If you are a renter and have a question, you can save time before calling Solid Ground’s tenant hotline by looking for an answer on our website where it is likely you will find the topic that concerns you.
Of course, nothing can substitute sound legal advice from an attorney. It should be noted this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please look to our legal assistance guide if you are in need of an attorney.
The Tenant Services website is the product of years of Tenant Counseling staff experience, with Emily Paddison, a former Tenants’ Union organizer, taking the lead in its development. Much credit is also due our Web Developer, Chris Fuka, and our staff Web Administrator, Liz Reed Hawk, for making the website incredibly user-friendly.
Click away!
Cathy says
can landlord turn heat off if heat is included with rent? Heater is on a timer and gets turned off for 4-5 hours a day even if it’s 12 degrees outside??? Is this legal? Is there a minimum temp that must be maintained? They claim they saved $7,000 last year while tenants froze