Mountlake Terrace, WA local landlord rules
State law also applies. See Washington landlord-tenant law and the Washington landlord FAQ. State rules: Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Late fees · Eviction notice (nonpayment) · Rent increase notice.
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Crime-free housing & nuisance rental rules | Owners and others in charge who permit a chronic nuisance property are in violation and subject to abatement remedies. The code states: "Owners and other persons in charge who permit property to be a chronic nuisance property shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to its remedies" (§ 8.25.030). |
| Rental inspections | A residential rental business license requires a certificate of compliance, based on an inspection by a qualified rental housing inspector within the previous 90 days. |
| Rental licensing / registration | Renting any residential unit requires a current residential rental business license for the building, with renewals backed by a certificate of compliance from an inspection. |
Details & sources
Crime-free housing & nuisance rental rules
Owners and others in charge who permit a chronic nuisance property are in violation and subject to abatement remedies. The code states: "Owners and other persons in charge who permit property to be a chronic nuisance property shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to its remedies" (§ 8.25.030).
Verified Source: Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code § 8.25.030 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Rental inspections
A residential rental business license requires a certificate of compliance, based on an inspection by a qualified rental housing inspector within the previous 90 days. The code states: "A certificate of compliance shall be issued by a qualified rental housing inspector and be based upon the physical inspection by the qualified rental housing inspector of the residential housing units conducted not more than 90 days prior to the date of the certificate of compliance" (§ 15.45.050).
Verified Source: Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code § 15.45.050 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Rental licensing / registration
Renting any residential unit requires a current residential rental business license for the building, with renewals backed by a certificate of compliance from an inspection. The code states: "Beginning January 1, 2012, no person shall make available for rent, or rent, lease, or let, to the public any residential housing unit without obtaining and holding a current residential rental business license for the building in which the residential unit is located." (§ 15.45.040).
Verified Source: Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code § 15.45.040 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Research coverage
0 of 13 topics checked at the local level (state law is covered on the state page). A topic counts as checked only when every subtopic in it is checked or no additional requirement was found after a recorded full read. How coverage works.
| Topic | Status | Subtopics done |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Deposit return deadlines | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Rent increases and rent control | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Late fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Landlord entry | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Repairs and habitability | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Screening and application fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Fair housing and assistance animals | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Disclosures | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Renewal and termination | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Eviction | Not researched | 0 of 3 |
| Registration and licensing | Partially researched | 2 of 3 |
| Short-term rentals | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
Also applies statewide
Washington rules that also apply in Mountlake Terrace:
- Security deposit limit
- No maximum amount. A deposit requires a written lease and a move-in condition checklist; on written request, tenants may pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 monthly payments for terms of 3+ months). Verified Source: RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Washington security deposit limit page
- Deposit return deadline
- Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates or invoices) plus any refund owed. Verified Source: RCW 59.18.280 · last checked 2026-10-31 · Full Washington deposit return deadline page
- Notice to enter
- At least two days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window, and entry only at reasonable times. One day's notice is enough to show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. No notice is needed in an emergency or if the unit is abandoned. Verified Source: RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6) · last checked 2026-10-31 · Full Washington notice to enter page
- Late fees
- No late fee for rent paid within 5 days of its due date. After that, late fees may run from the first day after the due date. Verified Source: RCW 59.18.170(2) · last checked 2026-10-31 · Full Washington late fees page
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