Washington Security Deposit Deadline
Washington landlords generally have 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises to send a full and specific statement, required supporting documentation, and any refund due.
In plain English: the rental agreement must be over, and the tenant must have moved out and left the rental. The rule is more precise than simply 30 days after move-out.
What must be sent within 30 days
Washington's deadline covers three related parts of the deposit response:
- a full and specific statement explaining what was kept and why
- supporting documentation for deductions, such as estimates, invoices, receipts, vendor documents, or labor records
- any refund due to the tenant
If the landlord sends a vague statement, leaves out documentation, or sends the statement without the refund balance, the response may be incomplete.
How the landlord can deliver the response
Washington allows personal delivery or deposit in U.S. mail properly addressed to the tenant's last known address with first-class postage prepaid within the 30-day period.
Give the landlord your current mailing address in writing and keep proof that you sent it.
What about abandonment?
If the tenant abandons the premises, Washington uses a different timing rule: the 30-day period runs after the landlord learns of the abandonment as defined by Washington law. If you moved out normally, focus on the standard rule: termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?
If the landlord fails to timely provide the statement, documentation, and refund, Washington can make the landlord liable for the full amount of the deposit. A court may award up to two times the deposit for intentional refusal, but that additional award is discretionary and not automatic.
Related Washington guides
- Washington security deposit law
- Washington security deposit demand letter
- What can a Washington landlord deduct?
- Washington security deposit evidence guide
The free guide above explains the Washington deadline. The paid system gives you the Washington-specific letters in order, so you are not guessing what to send next.
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Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.