Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.570
Victim protection -- Definitions.
Operative Text
The definitions in this section apply throughout this section and RCW 59.18.575 through 59.18.585 unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Credit reporting agency" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 19.182.010 (5). (2) "Domestic violence" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 7.105.010 . (3) "Household member" means a child or adult residing with the tenant other than the perpetrator of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. (4) "Landlord" has the same meaning as in RCW 59.l8.030 and includes the landlord's employees. (5) "Qualified third party" means any of the following people acting in their official capacity: (a) Law enforcement officers; (b) Persons subject to the provisions of chapter 18.120 RCW; (c) Employees of a court of the state; (d) Licensed mental health professionals or other licensed counselors; (e) Employees of crime victim/witness programs as defined in RCW 7.69.020 who are trained advocates for the program; and (f) Members of the clergy as defined in RCW 26.44.020 . (6) "Sexual assault" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 70.125.030 . (7) "Stalking" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 9A.46.110 . (8) "Tenant screening service provider" means any nongovernmental agency that provides, for a fee, background information on prospective tenants to landlords. (9) "Unlawful harassment" has the same meaning as in RCW 7.105.010 and also includes any request for sexual favors to a tenant or household member in return for a change in or performance of any or all terms of a lease or rental agreement.
Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act includes a set of definitions under § 59.18.570 that establish the precise meaning of key terms used throughout the victim-protection provisions found in RCW 59.18.570–59.18.585. These terms—including 'domestic violence,' 'stalking,' 'sexual assault,' 'unlawful harassment,' 'household member,' and 'qualified third party'—carry specific legal meanings drawn from other Washington statutes. The definition of 'unlawful harassment' is notably expanded in this section to include requests for sexual favors in exchange for changes to lease terms, going beyond the baseline definition found elsewhere in state law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act should be aware that § 59.18.570 establishes the foundational definitions that govern their obligations under the victim-protection provisions in RCW 59.18.575–59.18.585. The term 'landlord' in this context expressly includes employees, meaning that the conduct of on-site staff and property managers is covered by these protections. Compliant operators generally ensure that anyone acting on their behalf understands that soliciting sexual favors in connection with lease terms falls within the statutory definition of 'unlawful harassment.'
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Washington's victim-protection framework, beginning with the definitions at § 59.18.570, is designed to protect tenants and their household members who have experienced domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or unlawful harassment. The broad definition of 'qualified third party'—which includes law enforcement, licensed counselors, court employees, clergy, and trained victim advocates—reflects the range of professionals who may be involved in documenting a tenant's situation under RCW 59.18.575–59.18.585. Tenants who believe their rights under these provisions have been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or a qualified third party as defined in this section to understand the documentation and remedies available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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