Deposit laws by state · Washington
Washington security deposit laws.
Washington requires a written checklist of pre-existing damage at move-in (signed by both parties) before the landlord can lawfully retain any deposit. The landlord then has 30 days post-move-out to refund the deposit with an itemized statement.
Key rules
What Washington landlords need to do.
- 1.
Written move-in checklist signed by both parties is a prerequisite to lawfully retaining any of the deposit.
- 2.
30-day deadline to send itemized statement + refund after move-out.
- 3.
Deposits must be held in a trust account at a Washington bank or escrow service; written disclosure of location required.
- 4.
No statutory deposit cap.
- 5.
Intentional wrongful withholding: up to 2× the deposit plus costs and fees.
Common pitfalls
Where Washington landlords lose deposit cases.
Skipping the move-in checklist signed by both parties — without it, the landlord cannot lawfully retain any deposit.
Not disclosing the bank/escrow location in writing — required statutory disclosure.
Sending vague itemization — Washington courts require specificity per item.
Statute
Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.270, § 59.18.280
Read the statute on the Washington legislature site →This page is a landlord-oriented summary, not legal advice. Local ordinances may impose stricter rules than state law. Consult a Washington attorney before acting on a contested deposit dispute.
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Washington deposit FAQ.
- How long does a landlord have to return the security deposit in Washington?
- 30 days after move-out, per Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.270, § 59.18.280. The clock typically starts when the tenant gives a forwarding address; check the statute for state-specific triggers.
- What's the maximum security deposit allowed in Washington?
- No statutory limit. Courts can still strike down unconscionably high deposits, so reasonableness still matters.
- What's the penalty for wrongfully withholding a deposit in Washington?
- Up to 2× the deposit amount plus court costs and attorney fees for intentional wrongful withholding.
- Does Washington require an itemized deduction statement?
- Yes. Washington requires an itemized written statement listing each deduction with its cost. Sending a refund without itemization (when claiming any deductions) commonly triggers the wrongful-withholding penalty.
- Does Washington require a pre-move-out inspection?
- Washington does not require a pre-move-out inspection. Offering one anyway is good practice — it reduces dispute risk by giving the tenant a chance to remedy issues.