Washington landlord guide — Superior Court info, local rules & the Wenatchee, Leavenworth & Lake Chelan rental market
📍 County Seat & Largest City: Wenatchee — “Apple Capital of the World” 👥 Pop. ~82,800 — Wenatchee MSA ⚖️ Chelan County Superior Court • 401 Washington St, Fl 5, Wenatchee 🍎 Apples • Hydropower • Leavenworth tourism • Lake Chelan wine & recreation
Chelan County stretches from the Columbia River valley and the city of Wenatchee in the east to the jagged peaks of the Cascade Range in the west, encompassing one of the most scenically and economically diverse landscapes in Washington state. Wenatchee, the county seat and by far the largest city at roughly 34,000 residents, is the commercial, healthcare, and government hub of north-central Washington — known worldwide as the “Apple Capital of the World” for the vast orchards that blanket the surrounding hillsides and valley floors. The county’s economy rests on four complementary pillars: agriculture (especially apple, cherry, and pear production along with a growing wine industry), healthcare (Central Washington Hospital and the broader Confluence Health system), tourism (Leavenworth’s Bavarian-themed village draws millions of visitors annually; Lake Chelan is a premier summer and wine-tourism destination), and hydroelectric power (the Chelan County PUD operates massive Columbia River dams that make electricity among the cheapest in the state). Together, these industries create a layered rental market with demand from agricultural laborers, hospital and clinic workers, tourism and hospitality workers, college students at Wenatchee Valley College, and a growing wave of remote workers and retirees attracted by the area’s outdoor recreation and relative affordability.
Chelan County’s rental market has tightened considerably over the past several years. Average rents in Wenatchee now run approximately $1,518–$1,695/month depending on the source and time of measurement, with HUD’s 2-bedroom fair market rent at $1,488. Median household income is approximately $82,381 and median property values have risen to roughly $490,100 — above the state median. The county is approximately 29% Hispanic/Latino with 14% foreign-born residents, reflecting the deep roots of agricultural labor immigration. Short-term rental (STR) activity is significant and regulated in Chelan County, particularly in Leavenworth, Lake Chelan/Manson, and the Wenatchee waterfront corridor — landlords considering STR operations must review current county STR permit caps before acquiring or converting property.
📊 Quick Stats
County Seat & Largest City
Wenatchee (pop. ~34,000; Apple Capital of the World; Confluence Health; WVC)
Other Key Communities
East Wenatchee (Douglas Co.), Cashmere, Leavenworth, Chelan, Manson, Entiat, Stehekin
Population
~82,800 (2026 est.) — 17th largest county in WA
Economy
Apples/orchards, Confluence Health (hospital), hydroelectric power (Chelan PUD), tourism (Leavenworth, Lake Chelan), wine industry, Wenatchee Valley College
None locally; WA statewide rent cap applies (RCW 59.18.700)
STR Regulation
Active STR permit cap system in place — some areas already at or over cap
⚡ Eviction At-a-Glance
Nonpayment Notice
14-Day Pay or Vacate (statutory form required — RCW 59.18.057)
Lease Violation
10-Day Comply or Vacate
Waste / Nuisance / Unlawful Activity
3-Day Notice to Quit
No-Cause (month-to-month)
Not permitted — just-cause required statewide (RCW 59.18.650)
Owner Move-In
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Sale of Single-Family Home
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Demolition / Rehab / Change of Use
120-Day Advance Written Notice
Security Deposit Return
30 days after vacancy or notice of abandonment
Rent Increase Notice
90 days advance written notice required
Rent Increase Cap
Lesser of CPI+7% or 10% per 12 months (RCW 59.18.700)
Courthouse
401 Washington St, Floor 5, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Court Phone
(509) 667-6210
Chelan County — Local Rules & Washington State Law Highlights
Topic
Rule / Notes
Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations — Critical
Chelan County has an active STR permit cap system (updated October 2025). STR permits are limited by geographic area within the county, and some areas have already exceeded their caps — meaning no new STR permits are available in those areas. The cap is calculated based on a percentage of total housing units in each Urban Growth Area (UGA) and unincorporated zone. Tier 1 STRs (owner-occupied) are generally exempt from the cap; Tier 2 and Tier 3 STRs count toward it. Areas with high STR saturation include the Leavenworth area and the Lake Chelan/Manson corridor. STRs in commercially zoned districts or pre-established Master Planned Resorts are generally cap-exempt. Before purchasing or converting a property to STR use in Chelan County, confirm availability with Chelan County Community Development at co.chelan.wa.us. Note: The City of Wenatchee and City of Leavenworth have their own separate STR/vacation rental ordinances in addition to county regulations.
Rental Licensing (Long-Term)
No county-level rental licensing requirement for standard long-term residential leases in Chelan County. Washington has no statewide landlord licensing statute. Verify whether the City of Wenatchee or City of Leavenworth has enacted any local rental registration requirements for long-term rentals, as these are evolving areas of local policy in high-demand markets.
Rent Control & Rent Increase Cap
No local rent control. Washington’s statewide rent increase cap (RCW 59.18.700, effective 2025): annual increases for tenancies of 12+ months capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10%. In a market where Wenatchee rents have risen significantly over recent years, this cap is directly operative for long-term tenants. Exemptions (RCW 59.18.710): buildings under 10 years old, single-family residences not in a rental complex, income-based subsidized housing, affordable housing with recorded use restrictions, tenancies under 12 months. 90 days’ advance written notice required for all rent increases regardless of cap applicability.
Just-Cause Eviction
Washington’s just-cause eviction law (RCW 59.18.650) applies statewide. Landlords in Chelan County may not terminate a covered residential tenancy without documented cause from the statutory list. No-cause month-to-month terminations are not available. Key causes and required notice periods: nonpayment (14-day statutory form), substantial lease violation (10-day notice to cure), waste/nuisance/crime (3-day notice to quit), owner/family move-in (90-day notice), sale of single-family home (90-day notice), demolition/rehab/change of use (120-day notice).
14-Day Notice — Statutory Form Required
Washington requires the exact statutory form for the 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057). The notice must separately itemize amounts owed for rent, utilities, and other recurring charges; require payment by non-electronic means (cashier’s check, money order, certified funds) unless the rental agreement specifies otherwise; and prominently include the Eviction Defense Screening Line (855-657-8387) and the AG’s website (www.atg.wa.gov/landlord-tenant). A non-conforming notice results in dismissal of the eviction case. Spanish-language translations are available from the AG’s office — essential for Chelan County’s 29% Hispanic/Latino population.
Security Deposit Requirements
No statutory cap on deposit amount. Landlords must: (1) use a written rental agreement specifying deposit terms; (2) provide a signed written move-in condition checklist at tenancy commencement (failure makes landlord liable for the full deposit); (3) hold the deposit in a trust account at a Washington-licensed financial institution and provide written notice of the depository (RCW 59.18.270); (4) return with itemized statement and supporting documentation within 30 days (RCW 59.18.280). No deductions for ordinary wear and tear, undocumented damage, or routine carpet cleaning. Intentional refusal to return: up to 2x damages. Suits for amounts beyond the deposit on leases from July 23, 2023 onward must be filed within 3 years.
Deposit Installment Plans
Upon written tenant request, landlords must allow deposits, nonrefundable fees, and last month’s rent to be paid in installments (RCW 59.18.610): 3 monthly installments for leases of 3+ months; 2 for shorter leases. No fees or interest permitted for installment payment. Refusal triggers a 1-month rent statutory penalty plus attorneys’ fees.
Source of Income — Vouchers & Assistance
Statewide prohibition on source-of-income discrimination (RCW 59.18.255). Landlords throughout Chelan County may not reject applicants based on Housing Choice Vouchers, public assistance, veterans benefits, Social Security, or any government/nonprofit benefit. When calculating income thresholds, the voucher amount must be subtracted from the monthly rent before applying the income standard. Civil penalty: up to 4.5x monthly rent. This is particularly relevant given the significant agricultural labor and immigrant workforce population in Chelan County.
Landlord Entry
Minimum 2 days’ (48 hours’) advance written notice with the exact date and time stated (RCW 59.18.150). Entry only at reasonable times. Emergency entry without notice permitted. After one written warning, each unauthorized entry: $100 per violation.
Late Fees
No late fees for rent paid within 5 days of the due date (RCW 59.18.170). Late fees may run from day 1 after the due date once the 5-day window has passed. Landlords may serve the 14-day notice immediately when rent is due. Late fees in any court judgment capped at $75 total (RCW 59.18.410).
Utility Shutoffs & Heat Alerts
Intentional utility terminations are unlawful: $100/day per service plus actual damages (RCW 59.18.300). During NWS heat-related alerts, landlords may not disconnect electric or water utilities and must reconnect on tenant request (RCW 59.18.060(11)). Wenatchee and the Columbia River valley experience significant summer heat — temperatures regularly reach the upper 90s°F and heat advisories are periodically issued. Landlords with utility-included or master-metered units must be aware of this obligation.
Seasonal Agricultural Exemption
Housing provided by an employer in conjunction with seasonal agricultural employment is exempt from RCW Chapter 59.18 (RCW 59.18.040(7)). Chelan County’s orchard industry employs large numbers of seasonal agricultural workers, particularly for apple and cherry harvests. Employer-provided housing tied to that employment is exempt from the RLTA. Standard market-rate rentals to agricultural workers who happen to work in orchards are fully covered by the RLTA — the exemption is specific to employer-tied housing arrangements. When in doubt, treat the tenancy as covered.
Chelan County Superior Court
Address: 401 Washington Street, Floor 5, Wenatchee, WA 98801 Mailing: P.O. Box 880, Wenatchee, WA 98807 Phone: (509) 667-6210 • Fax: (509) 667-6588 Judges: Dept. 1 — Hon. Robert E. Jourdan; Dept. 2 — Hon. Travis C. Brandt; Dept. 3 — Hon. Kristin M. Ferrera Court Commissioner: Tracy S. Brandt County Clerk: Siri Woods (clerk’s office at 350 Orondo Ave, 5th Level) District Court: 350 Orondo Avenue, 4th Level, Wenatchee, WA 98801 • (509) 667-6600 • M–F 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Note: The courthouse complex is located in downtown Wenatchee near Memorial Park at the corner of Orondo and Washington streets. The Superior Court is in the 401 Washington Street building (5th floor); the District Court is in the 350 Orondo Avenue building (4th level). Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases are filed in Superior Court. Confirm current information at co.chelan.wa.us/superior-court.
Tenant Right to Counsel
Indigent tenants have the right to a court-appointed attorney in eviction proceedings (RCW 59.18.640) — at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The Eviction Defense Screening Line is 855-657-8387. This must appear on both the 14-day notice and the statutory summons form. Legal Aid for Washington and the Northwest Justice Project serve Chelan County residents.
Tenant Can Cure?Yes - tenant can pay full amount due within 14 days to cure. Payment must first be applied to amounts shown on notice.
Days to Hearing7-20 days
Days to Writ3-5 days
Total Estimated Timeline30-75 days
Total Estimated Cost$300-$800
⚠️ Watch Out
VERY tenant-friendly. Just Cause Eviction statewide (RCW 59.18.650) - landlord must have enumerated cause to evict. 14-day notice must use specific statutory form language including info about legal aid, dispute resolution centers, and right to appointed counsel. Notice must be in multiple languages per AG website. Rent increases capped at 7%+inflation or 10%, whichever lower. 60-day notice for rent increases. Right to counsel for qualifying low-income tenants.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Superior Court - Unlawful Detainer. Pay the filing fee (~$45-60).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Washington eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Washington attorney or local legal aid organization.
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Underground Landlord
🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
Wenatchee (county seat; largest city; Confluence Health; WVC; commercial hub): Wenatchee’s rental market is the most active in the county, serving healthcare workers from the Confluence Health system (Central Washington Hospital), students and staff from Wenatchee Valley College (~5,000 students), county and city government employees, and a large agricultural workforce. Healthcare workers are the most stable long-term tenant cohort. Spanish-language screening communication is common and helpful given the community’s demographics. Wenatchee’s market has tightened significantly — vacancy rates are low and units rent quickly at asking price.
Cashmere (orchard community; Aplets & Cotlets; small-town character): Cashmere’s rental market is small and stable, serving orchard workers, local business employees, and families who prefer the quieter community. Screen for stable agricultural or food-industry employment. The seasonal nature of orchard work affects income verification — request documentation of annual rather than monthly income for seasonal workers.
Leavenworth (Bavarian village; premier tourist destination; STR-heavy market): Leavenworth’s rental market is dominated by tourism — it is one of Washington’s most visited destinations and one of the most STR-saturated communities in the state. STR caps in the Leavenworth area may be at or over the limit for new permits — verify availability before purchasing investment property here. The remaining long-term rental supply is thin and in high demand from hospitality and tourism workers, shop owners, and service industry employees. Screen for stable hospitality employment; recognize that many workers hold multiple part-time positions.
Chelan & Manson (Lake Chelan wine and recreation corridor; summer tourism; STR market): The Lake Chelan area is Washington’s premier wine tourism and summer lake recreation destination. The long-term rental market is limited — most housing stock has been absorbed into STR use or owner-occupancy by second-home owners. Year-round renters tend to be winery workers, resort employees, and local service workers. STR cap availability must be confirmed for the Lake Chelan UGA and Manson area separately — these were among the first areas to hit cap limits.
Agricultural Worker Note: Chelan County’s orchard economy employs thousands of seasonal workers, particularly for apple and cherry harvests. Washington’s source-of-income protection (RCW 59.18.255) prohibits rejecting agricultural workers who rely on public assistance or housing vouchers. The seasonal agricultural housing exemption (RCW 59.18.040(7)) only applies to employer-tied housing provided in conjunction with employment — standard market rentals to agricultural workers are fully RLTA-covered.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Chelan County Washington Landlord-Tenant Law: Renting in Apple Country, Leavenworth, and the Lake Chelan Corridor
Chelan County is one of Washington’s most geographically diverse counties, running from the dry Columbia River canyon at Wenatchee westward through the rolling Cascades foothills and their vast apple and cherry orchards to the steep wilderness of the Alpine Lakes. The county seat, Wenatchee, has earned its “Apple Capital of the World” designation honestly — the Columbia River valley’s combination of volcanic soil, river irrigation, abundant sunshine, and cool nights produces some of the finest tree fruit in North America, and the industry anchors thousands of agricultural jobs throughout the county. Beyond agriculture, Chelan County has built a formidable service economy around healthcare, hydroelectric power, higher education, and three distinct tourism corridors: the Leavenworth Bavarian village (one of Washington’s most visited destinations year-round), the Lake Chelan wine and recreation corridor (Washington’s premier summer lake destination), and the Wenatchee Valley’s own growing outdoor recreation scene.
The STR Cap System: Critical Information for Chelan County Landlords
Chelan County operates one of the most developed short-term rental regulation systems in Washington state. The county established an STR permit cap system that limits the number of non-owner-occupied STR permits in each geographic zone to a percentage of total housing units in that zone. Updated in October 2025, the cap statistics are publicly available on the county’s website and show that several high-demand areas — most notably Leavenworth and the Lake Chelan corridor — have areas where the cap has already been reached or exceeded. This means no new non-owner-occupied STR permits can be issued in those areas until existing permits lapse. For investors considering purchasing property in Chelan County for STR use, confirming current cap availability with Chelan County Community Development before making any acquisition is essential — purchasing a property expecting to operate it as an Airbnb or VRBO in a cap-saturated area will leave you with a long-term rental or an expensive exit strategy.
Filing Evictions: The Chelan County Courthouse in Downtown Wenatchee
All residential eviction (unlawful detainer) cases in Chelan County are filed at the Chelan County Superior Court at 401 Washington Street, 5th Floor, in downtown Wenatchee (phone: 509-667-6210; mailing: P.O. Box 880, Wenatchee, WA 98807). Three judges currently preside: Hon. Robert E. Jourdan (Dept. 1), Hon. Travis C. Brandt (Dept. 2), and Hon. Kristin M. Ferrera (Dept. 3), with Court Commissioner Tracy S. Brandt. The courthouse complex sits near Memorial Park at the corner of Orondo and Washington streets — a walkable location from downtown Wenatchee with limited but free parking. The District Court is in the adjacent building at 350 Orondo Avenue, 4th Level, and handles limited jurisdiction matters. Landlords in Leavenworth, Cashmere, Chelan, or other communities should plan the drive to Wenatchee to file and attend hearings.
Agricultural Housing: What’s Covered and What’s Exempt
Chelan County’s orchard economy employs thousands of seasonal workers, particularly during the spring cherry harvest and fall apple harvest. Washington law (RCW 59.18.040(7)) exempts from the RLTA “rental agreements providing housing for seasonal agricultural employees while provided in conjunction with such employment.” This exemption is specific: it applies only when an employer provides housing as part of an agricultural employment arrangement. If an orchard owner separately rents housing to agricultural workers at market rates — housing that is not tied to their employment — those tenancies are fully covered by the RLTA with all of its protections including just-cause eviction, the 14-day statutory notice form, security deposit rules, and the rest. When establishing any housing arrangement tied to orchard employment, document the relationship between employment and housing clearly in writing to establish whether the exemption applies.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Chelan County are filed at Chelan County Superior Court, 401 Washington Street, Floor 5, Wenatchee, WA 98801 — (509) 667-6210. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate form (RCW 59.18.057); defective notices result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements apply statewide (RCW 59.18.650). Rent increases capped at lesser of CPI+7% or 10% for 12-month+ tenancies with 90 days’ notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination prohibited (RCW 59.18.255). Chelan County’s STR permit cap system may limit STR permit availability — confirm with Chelan County Community Development before purchasing property for STR use. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Chelan County are filed at Chelan County Superior Court, 401 Washington Street, Floor 5 (P.O. Box 880), Wenatchee, WA 98801 — (509) 667-6210. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate form (RCW 59.18.057); a defective notice will result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements apply statewide (RCW 59.18.650). Rent increases for tenancies of 12+ months capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10% with 90 days’ advance notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination is prohibited statewide (RCW 59.18.255). Chelan County’s STR permit cap system (updated October 2025) may restrict new STR permit availability in certain areas — verify with Chelan County Community Development before purchasing or converting property for STR use. Seasonal agricultural employee housing provided in conjunction with employment may be exempt from the RLTA under RCW 59.18.040(7). Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
