Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Re: stairs, rails

It is unlawful to enter into a rental agreement for property that is not in accordance with applicable local and state health and safety codes.

I don't know whether handrails are required in your particular situation or not.

You can check with your city or county building code department to determine what the standards are in your area for handrails on stairs.

If you are the landlord it would be wise to fix this.

If you are the tenant, this is not a reason to stop paying rent, it is a reason to consider moving.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell