Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.585
Victim protection -- Possession of dwelling unit -- Exclusion of others -- New lock or key.
Operative Text
(1) A tenant who has obtained a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction granting him or her possession of a dwelling unit to the exclusion of one or more cotenants may request that a lock be replaced or configured for a new key at the tenant's expense. The landlord shall, if provided a copy of the order, comply with the request and shall not provide copies of the new keys to the tenant restrained or excluded by the court's order. This section does not release a cotenant, other than a household member who is the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, from liability or obligations under the rental agreement. (2) A landlord who replaces a lock or configures for a new key of a residential housing unit in accordance with subsection (1) of this section shall be held harmless from liability for any damages that result directly from the lock change.
Washington law under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.585 addresses situations where a court has granted one cotenant exclusive possession of a dwelling, excluding another cotenant. When such an order exists, the landlord is required to change the lock or rekey the unit at the requesting tenant's cost, and is prohibited from giving the new key to the excluded cotenant. The provision also clarifies that, with a limited exception for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking victims, the excluded cotenant generally remains bound by the obligations of the rental agreement despite losing access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.585, a compliant property owner or manager who receives a copy of a qualifying court order granting one cotenant exclusive possession will change the lock or rekey the unit at the requesting tenant's expense, and will not furnish the new key to the restrained or excluded cotenant. The statute provides landlords with a liability shield for damages that arise directly from a lock change made in accordance with subsection (1), which gives operators a degree of protection when acting on a valid court order. Operators generally maintain a copy of the court order in the tenant's file to document the basis for the lock change.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.585 gives tenants who have obtained a court order for exclusive possession of their unit the right to request a lock change or rekeying, with the cost falling on the requesting tenant. The landlord is legally prohibited from providing the new key to the cotenant who has been restrained or excluded by the order. Tenants seeking to understand how this provision applies to their circumstances — including the interaction with domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking protections — may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Washington housing law.
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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