Washington Locksmith Laws & Regulations — What Federal Way Residents, Renters & Business Owners Should Know
If you live, rent, own a business, or drive in Federal Way, Washington, it helps to understand the basic laws and regulations related to locks, keys, and locksmith services.
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Reasonably adequate locks & keys — RCW 59.18.060
For qualifying tenants — RCW 59.18.575
No general WA law requires routine replacement
Washington law recognizes many common locksmith services, including lock installation, repair, rekeying, key creation, master-key systems, vehicle lock services, and vehicle key programming. (RCW 19.355.010)
Residential Locksmith Laws in Washington
Washington has specific rules that protect tenants and establish responsibilities for rental properties.
Landlords Must Provide Adequate Locks
Washington law requires landlords to provide reasonably adequate locks and keys to tenants. Landlords must also take reasonable care of master keys and duplicate keys for rental homes. (RCW 59.18.060)
This can become important when a rental property needs:
- Lock repair
- Lock replacement
- Rekeying
- New keys
- Duplicate keys
- Master-key service
Can Tenants Change Their Locks?
In certain situations, Washington law allows qualifying tenants to change or add locks to their rental unit. Specific requirements apply, so tenants should review the applicable law before making a change. (RCW 59.18.575)
Court-Ordered Lock Changes
Under certain court orders, a tenant may request that a rental property’s lock be replaced or configured for a new key. RCW 59.18.585 provides specific requirements for these situations. (RCW 59.18.585)
Commercial Locksmith Laws in Washington
Commercial locks are not only about security. Certain business doors must also meet applicable building and fire-code requirements.
Commercial Exit Doors and Locks
Washington building codes contain requirements for doors, locks, latches, and means of egress. The correct locking hardware can depend on the building’s occupancy and how the door is used. (WAC 51-50-10100)
For Federal Way businesses, applicable city and Washington State construction and fire codes should be considered when replacing locks on exit or emergency doors.
This can be important for:
- Commercial lock replacement
- Business door locks
- Rekeying
- Master-key systems
- Exit door hardware
- Panic hardware
- Access-control systems
Never replace an exit-door lock without considering the applicable egress requirements. A lock that improves security could create a safety or code problem if the door must remain readily accessible for emergency exit.
Automotive Locksmith Laws in Washington
Washington law specifically recognizes several automotive locksmith services.
Car Key Replacement and Programming
Under RCW 19.355.010, locksmith services include:
- Unlocking or bypassing vehicle locks
- Creating/originating vehicle keys
- Programming or reprogramming security transponders
- Programming or bypassing manufacturer-built immobilizer systems
- Keying or recombining motor-vehicle locks
This covers many situations involving:
- Lost car keys
- Replacement car keys
- Transponder keys
- Key programming
- Automotive lock problems
- Vehicle lockouts
Washington law does not generally require a driver to replace a car key after a certain amount of time. Replacement is normally based on the condition of the key, loss, damage, security concerns, or the vehicle owner’s needs.
Do You Have to Replace Your Locks?
There is no general Washington law requiring every homeowner or business to replace locks after a specific number of years.
A lock may need replacement because it is damaged, no longer provides adequate security, keys have been lost or stolen, a tenant has changed, or a particular legal or building-code requirement applies.
Do You Have to Hire a Locksmith?
Washington law does not generally require everyone to hire a locksmith when they need a lock repaired, replaced, or rekeyed.
However, Washington law specifically recognizes locksmith services including lock installation, repair, rekeying, key creation, master-key systems, and automotive key and lock services. (RCW 19.355.010)
For complex residential, commercial, or automotive situations, using a qualified professional can help ensure the correct lock or key solution is used.
Washington Locksmith Laws — Quick Answers
Are landlords required to provide locks and keys?
Yes. Washington law requires landlords to provide reasonably adequate locks and furnish keys to tenants. (RCW 59.18.060)
Can a tenant change a lock?
Certain qualifying tenants may have the right to change or add locks under Washington law. (RCW 59.18.575)
Does Washington law recognize rekeying?
Yes. Repinning and recombining locks are included in the state’s definition of locksmith services. (RCW 19.355.010)
Does Washington law cover duplicate keys?
Washington’s residential landlord-tenant law specifically addresses master keys and duplicate keys for rental dwelling units. (RCW 59.18.060)
Does Washington law cover car key programming?
Yes. Vehicle key origination and security transponder/immobilizer programming are included in Washington’s locksmith-service definition. (RCW 19.355.010)
Are commercial locks regulated?
Certain commercial doors, particularly exit and egress doors, must comply with applicable building and fire-code requirements. (WAC 51-50-10100)
Do I have to replace my locks after a certain number of years?
No general Washington law requires routine lock replacement based only on the age of the lock.
Read the Laws Yourself
Laws and regulations may change. This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.
Have a Lock or Key Situation That Involves One of These Laws?
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