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How Much Can Landlords Charge for Application Fees in Washington?

In Washington State, a landlord can't charge more than they actually spent to screen a prospective tenant.

Although state laws in Washington don't limit application fees to a set dollar amount, landlords can’t charge more than their out-of-pocket expenses when it comes to screening potential tenants. According to the Tenants Union of Washington State, application fees generally run $35-75 per person.1

Also, a landlord is only allowed to charge you an application fee if they’ve given you a written document that explains how they will screen you and other prospective tenants. If they don’t do that, it’s illegal for them to charge you a rental application fee at all.

What Is the Approval Process for an Apartment?
What Fees Do I Have to Pay Before Signing the Lease?
Tenant Screening Laws in the U.S.

[1] "Tenant Screening," Tenants Union of Washington State

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