Washington Security Deposit Law
Statute text last checked: October 23, 2026
Return deadline
30 days
Statute
RCW 59.18.280; RCW 59.18.260
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Check your Washington lease →How much can a landlord charge?
No dollar or months-of-rent cap appears in RCW 59.18.280.
When must the deposit be returned?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates, the landlord must give a full and specific written statement of the basis for keeping any of the deposit, plus a refund of any remaining amount.
Key rules
- The statement must include copies of estimates, invoices, or bills supporting the charges where applicable.
- No deduction is allowed for normal wear and tear.
- A landlord can't collect a deposit at all unless the lease is written and a signed move-in condition checklist is given to the tenant (RCW 59.18.260).
- Carpet cleaning can't be charged unless documented damage goes beyond normal wear and tear.
If the landlord doesn't follow the law
A landlord who misses the 30-day requirement is liable for the full deposit. A court may award up to twice the deposit for intentional refusal to return it, plus court costs and attorney's fees.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Washington landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates, with a full and specific statement for anything kept.
Can a Washington landlord charge for carpet cleaning?
Only if there is documented damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Sources
- RCW 59.18.280 (official text)
- RCW 59.18.260 (official text)
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