InstaBidsHow fast must a Washington landlord start repairs after notice?
Act on a repair notice promptly and identify the affected service before planning the response. Read the Washington timing provision in full, then document the notice, response arrangements and progress without confusing starting work with completing it.
Source: RCW 59.18.060, read 23 October 2026.
Source: RCW 59.18.070, read 23 October 2026.
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Key facts
- Washington structural repair duty: "(2) Maintain the structural components including, but not limited to, the roofs, floors, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, foundations, and all other structural components, in reasonably good repair so as to be usable;"
Source: RCW 59.18.060, read 23 October 2026.
- Washington repair notice and timing provision: "If at any time during the tenancy the landlord fails to carry out the duties required by RCW 59.18.060 or by the rental agreement, the tenant may, in addition to pursuit of remedies otherwise provided him or her by law, deliver written notice to the person designated in *RCW 59.18.060(14), or to the person who collects the rent, which notice shall specify the premises involved, the name of the owner, if known, and the nature of the defective condition. The landlord shall commence remedial action after receipt of such notice by the tenant as soon as possible but not later than the following time periods, except where circumstances are beyond the landlord's control: (1) Not more than twenty-four hours, where the defective condition deprives the tenant of hot or cold water, heat, or electricity, or is imminently hazardous to life; (2) Not more than seventy-two hours, where the defective condition deprives the tenant of the use of a refrigerator, range and oven, or a major plumbing fixture supplied by the landlord; and (3) Not more than ten days in all other cases. In each instance the burden shall be on the landlord to see that remedial work under this section is completed promptly. If completion is delayed due to circumstances beyond the landlord's control, including the unavailability of financing, the landlord shall remedy the defective condition as soon as possible."
Source: RCW 59.18.070, read 23 October 2026.
- Washington supplied facilities duty: "(8) Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by him or her in reasonably good working order;"
Source: RCW 59.18.060, read 23 October 2026.
What repair duties does Washington law identify?
Read the structural and facility duties when describing the condition to the contractor.
Washington structural repair duty, read 23 October 2026: "(2) Maintain the structural components including, but not limited to, the roofs, floors, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, foundations, and all other structural components, in reasonably good repair so as to be usable;"
Source: RCW 59.18.060, read 23 October 2026.
When must a Washington landlord begin remedial action?
Use the complete timing section below to assess the notice and response; keep its exceptions with the deadlines.
Washington repair notice and timing provision, read 23 October 2026: "If at any time during the tenancy the landlord fails to carry out the duties required by RCW 59.18.060 or by the rental agreement, the tenant may, in addition to pursuit of remedies otherwise provided him or her by law, deliver written notice to the person designated in *RCW 59.18.060(14), or to the person who collects the rent, which notice shall specify the premises involved, the name of the owner, if known, and the nature of the defective condition. The landlord shall commence remedial action after receipt of such notice by the tenant as soon as possible but not later than the following time periods, except where circumstances are beyond the landlord's control: (1) Not more than twenty-four hours, where the defective condition deprives the tenant of hot or cold water, heat, or electricity, or is imminently hazardous to life; (2) Not more than seventy-two hours, where the defective condition deprives the tenant of the use of a refrigerator, range and oven, or a major plumbing fixture supplied by the landlord; and (3) Not more than ten days in all other cases. In each instance the burden shall be on the landlord to see that remedial work under this section is completed promptly. If completion is delayed due to circumstances beyond the landlord's control, including the unavailability of financing, the landlord shall remedy the defective condition as soon as possible."
Source: RCW 59.18.070, read 23 October 2026.
What does Washington law say about supplied facilities?
Use the supplied-facilities provision when identifying the affected equipment.
Washington supplied facilities duty, read 23 October 2026: "(8) Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by him or her in reasonably good working order;"
Source: RCW 59.18.060, read 23 October 2026.
How can a manager document a Washington repair response?
Keep a response log connected to the original repair notice. This is practical reasoning, not legal advice and not a finding from any agency.
- Record when the notice arrived and which service or condition it describes.
- Contact the appropriate repair trade promptly and record access arrangements and attendance.
- Keep progress updates and any delay explanation with the original notice until the work is completed.
Who sees your contact details when you post on InstaBids?
Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection.
Source: InstaBids process and privacy, live-page excerpts, read 23 October 2026.
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