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How to Sublet Legally in Washington


The Bottom Line: The Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act does not specifically prohibit sublets, so what your lease says goes. If your lease forbids sublets, then sadly that means no sublets. You should always obtain written approval from your landlord prior to subletting.

Follow these steps to sublet legally in Washington.

1. Check your lease

Most likely, your lease contains a clause that requires you to obtain your landlord’s approval prior to subletting.

2. Mail a letter

You should send a letter to your landlord via certified mail, return-receipt requested, and save a copy of the document for your own records. Certified mail is the only proof of delivery that most courts will accept and thus is the best way to protect yourself. The letter should clearly outline the terms of the agreement and include the following information:

  • The term (starting and end dates) of the sublet or the date of the proposed assignment (30 days from when you sent the letter)
  • The name of the proposed subtenant or assignee
  • The permanent home address of the proposed subtenant or assignee
  • Your reason for subletting or leaving permanently
  • Your new address during the sublease if applicable
  • The written consent of any co‑tenant
  • A copy of the proposed sublease

3. Wait for approval

Within thirty days of mailing the initial notice your landlord must respond to your inquiry. If the landlord doesn’t respond then their consent is assumed and you are free to sublet.

If your landlord rejects your request, know that they can only refuse proposed subtenants based on legitimate factors. Legal grounds for refusal may include:

  • The financial responsibility of the proposed assignee or subtenant.
  • Intended use of the property.
  • The legality of the proposed use.
  • The nature of the occupancy.
  • The compatibility of the tenant’s use with the uses of the other tenants.

If your landlord refuses to give approval and you think it's unreasonable then you can reach out to a local tenants' rights group and ask that they mediate with your landlord on your behalf.

4. Stay responsible

Remember just because you aren’t living in the place anymore, doesn’t mean that you aren’t held accountable to the terms of your lease. It is still up to you to make sure that the rent is paid on time and that none of the lease terms are broken.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.