Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.740
Portable cooling device installation.
Operative Text
(1) Except as provided under subsections (3) through (5) of this section, a landlord may not prohibit or restrict a tenant from installing a portable cooling device of the tenant's choosing. (2) A landlord may not require a fee for the use, inspection, or installation of a portable cooling device. Nothing in this section shall preclude a landlord from charging for the rental of a portable cooling device rented by a tenant from the landlord, nor for any damages arising out of a tenant's use of a portable cooling device. (3) A landlord may prohibit or restrict a tenant from installing a portable cooling device of any type if the dwelling already has a permanently installed and fully operational heat pump, or if installation of the device would: (a) Violate state or local building codes, state law, or federal law; (b) Violate the device manufacturer's written safety guidelines for the device; (c) Cause unreasonable damage to the premises or render the premises uninhabitable; or (d) Require an electrical supply to power the device that cannot be accommodated by the existing power service to the building, dwelling unit, or circuit. (4)(a) A landlord may prohibit or restrict a tenant from installing a window-mounted portable cooling device if: (i) The window is a necessary egress from the dwelling unit and the device would interfere with its use as egress; (ii) The device would interfere with the tenant's ability to lock a window that is accessible from outside; (iii) The device requires the excessive use of brackets or other hardware that would damage or void the warranty of the window or frame, puncture the exterior wall of the building, or otherwise cause significant damage; (iv) The device cannot be secured in a way that prevents it from falling out of the window; or (v) The landlord's insurance policy for the dwelling occupied by the tenant expressly restricts or prohibits the use of window-mounted portable cooling devices, and the landlord has provided written evidence of insurance policy restrictions or prohibitions to the tenant. (b) As a condition of installing a portable cooling device, a landlord may require that the device be adequately drained to prevent damage to the dwelling unit or building. (5) To verify compliance with the installation limitations allowed under this section, a landlord may also require that a window-mounted portable cooling device be subject to one or more of the following: (a) Inspection after installation; or (b) Servicing after installation. (6) A tenant must provide at least two days' notice to a landlord prior to the installation of a window-mounted portable cooling device. (7) A landlord is immune from liability for any claim for damages, injury, or death caused by a portable cooling device installed by the tenant. (8) If a landlord restricts or prohibits installation of window-mounted portable cooling devices, the landlord must notify tenants in their leases of their rights, responsibilities, and any restrictions or prohibitions related to installation of window-mounted portable cooling devices as specified in subsection (4)(a)(i) through (v) of this section. (9) Nothing under this section shall be construed to limit the responsibilities of landlords to provide reasonable accommodations under existing state and federal law. (10) A landlord is not responsible for any interruption in electrical service resulting from the installation of a portable cooling device that is not caused by the landlord, including interruptions caused by an electrical supply's inability to accommodate use of a portable cooling device. (11) Nothing in this section shall preclude a landlord from retaining a portion of a security deposit for a lawful purpose under RCW 59.18.280 . (12) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Portable cooling device" means an air conditioner or portable heat pump, including a device mounted in a window or designed to sit on the floor, but does not include devices whose installation or use require excessive alteration to the dwelling unit including, but not limited to, the excessive use of brackets or other hardware under subsection (4)(a)(iii) of this section. (b) "Saddle-mounted portable cooling device" means a portable cooling device that hangs over the windowsill with interior and exterior components rather than sitting on top of it, such that the window view is not fully obstructed and the device will not fall when the window is opened, and includes u-shaped portable cooling devices. (c) "Window-mounted portable cooling device" means a portable cooling device that is installed to sit in the window but does not include a saddle-mounted portable cooling device, a u-shaped portable cooling device, or a floor-mounted device that is connected to a window for air exchange or ventilation.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.740, tenants generally have the right to install a portable cooling device—such as a window air conditioner or portable heat pump—of their own choosing, and landlords cannot charge fees for its use, inspection, or installation. However, the law carves out specific situations where a landlord may restrict or prohibit installation, including when the dwelling already has a functioning heat pump, when installation would violate building codes or safety guidelines, or when certain window-safety concerns apply. Tenants must give at least two days' notice before installing a window-mounted device, and landlords are shielded from liability for damages caused by tenant-installed devices.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 59.18.740, compliant landlords generally refrain from charging fees or imposing blanket bans on portable cooling devices, and instead document any restrictions they do impose based on the specific grounds the statute permits—such as existing heat pump service, code conflicts, or window-safety hazards. When a landlord's insurance policy expressly restricts window-mounted devices, operators typically provide tenants with written evidence of that policy restriction. Landlords who do restrict window-mounted devices are generally expected to disclose those restrictions and the tenant's related rights within the lease, and may conduct post-installation inspections or require adequate drainage as a condition of installation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 59.18.740 of Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act gives tenants a broad right to install a portable cooling device of their choosing without being charged a fee for installation, use, or inspection, though certain narrow exceptions—such as egress interference or code violations—may allow a landlord to restrict specific device types. Tenants are generally expected to provide at least two days' written notice before installing a window-mounted device, and should be aware that a landlord may require post-installation inspection or proper drainage. Tenants who believe a landlord is improperly restricting their rights under this provision may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, raising the issue with a housing authority, or consulting an attorney familiar with Washington landlord-tenant 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.