Washington Security Deposit Demand Letter

A Washington security deposit demand letter should state the rental-agreement termination date, move-out or vacation date, deposit amount, current mailing address, what is missing, and what the landlord must do next.

The letter should also identify whether the landlord missed the 30-day deadline, failed to send a full and specific statement, left out required documentation, failed to refund the amount due, or claimed deductions that Washington law does not allow.

What the letter should include

• Landlord name and contact information
• Rental address
• Deposit amount paid
• Rental-agreement termination date
• Move-out or vacation date
• Possession, key, or access return date if helpful
• Current mailing address
• Whether a full and specific statement was sent
• Whether supporting documentation was included
• Any move-in checklist problem
• Any ordinary-use, carpet-cleaning, or unsupported deduction dispute
• The amount or documentation being demanded

Use the correct Washington rule

Washington's key rule is not just "send my deposit back." RCW 59.18.280 generally requires a full and specific statement, required supporting documentation, and any refund due within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises.

If the landlord claims deductions, focus on the support: estimates, invoices, receipts, vendor documents, labor time, hourly rate, the move-in checklist, and whether the charge is for ordinary use.

Sample Washington security deposit demand letter

Copy this sample and adjust it to match your facts.

[Date]

[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Mailing Address]

Re: Security deposit demand for [Rental Address]

Dear [Landlord Name],

I rented the unit at [Rental Address]. The rental agreement terminated on [Termination Date], and I vacated the premises on [Move-Out or Vacation Date]. I returned keys or access on [Key or Access Return Date].

I paid a security deposit of $[Deposit Amount]. My current mailing address is:

[Tenant Current Mailing Address]

Under RCW 59.18.280, a Washington landlord must provide a full and specific statement, required supporting documentation, and any refund due within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises.

As of today, I have not received [describe what is missing: the return of my deposit, a full and specific statement, supporting documentation, the refund balance, or another deposit response]. Please send the amount owed or a complete written response within [5 to 7] business days.

If you are claiming deductions, please provide the required support for each charge. That includes estimates, invoices, receipts, vendor documents, or labor records where applicable. I dispute unsupported charges, ordinary-use charges, carpet-cleaning charges without documented wear beyond ordinary use, and repair or replacement charges not reasonably supported by the move-in checklist.

I am preserving all remedies available under Washington law, including remedies under RCW 59.18.260, RCW 59.18.270, and RCW 59.18.280 where the statutes apply and the facts support them.

Sincerely,

[Tenant Name]
[Tenant Phone or Email]

Related Washington guides

• Washington security deposit deadline
• What can a Washington landlord deduct?
• Washington security deposit evidence guide
• Washington small claims basics

The sample above helps you draft your own letter. The paid system gives you the full Washington sequence: move-out notice, deposit-due request, entitlement notice, and final demand.

Get the Deposit Recovery System

Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.