Yes, it is legal to require a last month's rent from a tenant int he state of Washington. In fact it is very common practice. You could ask the landlord if it could be prorated.
Terminate your lease if you have one or do not renew the lease unless your landlord fixes the items of which were brought to his attention.
The landlord has self-remedies, up to a point. But landlords cannot issue a "legal judgement". The landlord can deduct damages and unpaid rent from your security deposit, and the landlord or tenant can seek legal resolution.
Generally speaking, a tenant does not become such until he has been handed the keys to his dwelling. If the landlord has not received his first month's payment, this is the same as in not receiving the rent, which is payable in advance. Therefore the landlord does have the right to withhold the key.
NO
Yes, it is generally legal for a landlord to charge tenants for plumbing repairs if the lease agreement specifies that tenants are responsible for such repairs.
If you pay the landlord for your electricity and it is an agreement in the rental contract and you are in the rears of your payment, it may be legal for the landlord to do so. To be sure, contact a lawyer.
In WA, you have to be 18 to enter a legal contract... so if the landlord requires a lease, you need someone over 18 to co-sign with you.
Frances W. H. Kuchler has written: 'Landlord, tenant, and co-op housing' -- subject(s): Landlord and tenant 'Legal Almanac Series, 1951-1988 (Legal Almanac Series: No. 12)' 'Landlord and tenant' -- subject(s): Landlord and tenant
Yes, a landlord has a legal obligation to provide clean and safe drinking water to their tenants as part of their duty to maintain a habitable living environment.
Washington Legal Foundation was created in 1977.
You do have some legal rights when renting a house. The house should be clean and liveable, the landlord should tell you when he is coming over to fix the house, the landlord cannot have the locks changed.
The landlord has many responsibilities under the law. Whether they are spelled out in the lease or not doesn't change that. The lease can add responsibilities for the landlord.