Washington Normal Wear and Tear

Washington landlords cannot withhold a security deposit for wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises. In plain English, ordinary use means normal wear from living in the rental.

Damage is more than ordinary use.

Examples of ordinary use

Ordinary-use wear can include minor scuffs, ordinary fading, light carpet wear from regular walking, loose hardware from age, or other changes that happen from living in a unit normally.

These examples are not automatic rules. The condition, age, move-in checklist, photos, and repair records still matter.

Examples of stronger damage claims

Damage claims are stronger when the landlord can show:

• a condition that was not present or was not the same at move-in
• damage beyond ordinary use
• required supporting documentation
• a reasonable repair or replacement amount
• a move-in checklist that reasonably documented the item's earlier condition

For carpet cleaning, Washington requires documented wear to the carpet beyond ordinary use. A general carpet-cleaning charge is weaker without that documentation.

Related Washington guides

• What can a Washington landlord deduct?
• Washington security deposit evidence guide
• Washington move-out checklist
• Washington security deposit demand letter

The guide above helps you separate ordinary use from damage. The paid system gives you the letters that raise those issues in order.

Get the Deposit Recovery System

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