A landlord who rents to an offender is not liable for civil damages arising from the criminal conduct of the tenant. In order for a landlord to be protected from liability as provided under this section, a landlord must:

     (1) Disclose to residents of the property that he or she rents or has a policy of renting to offenders; and

     (2) Take steps to report or halt criminal activity if the landlord has actual knowledge of criminal activity on the landlord's premises.

[2007 c 483 § 602.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- Intent -- 2007 c 483: "The legislature finds that, in order to improve the safety of our communities, more housing needs to be made available to offenders returning to the community. The legislature intends to increase the housing available to offenders by providing that landlords who rent to offenders shall be immune from civil liability for damages that may result from the criminal conduct of the tenant." [2007 c 483 § 601.]

     Findings -- Part headings not law -- Severability -- 2007 c 483: See RCW 72.78.005, 72.78.900, and 72.78.901.