Washington Security Deposit Statute

Washington's main statewide residential security deposit rules are in RCW 59.18.260, RCW 59.18.270, and RCW 59.18.280. Nonrefundable fees are addressed separately in RCW 59.18.285.

Official Washington statute links

• RCW 59.18.260 - Deposit terms and written checklist required
• RCW 59.18.270 - Deposit trust account, receipt, and depository notice
• RCW 59.18.280 - Statement, documentation, refund, and remedies
• RCW 59.18.285 - Nonrefundable fees

Always verify the current statute text and current court procedure before filing or relying on a deadline in court.

RCW 59.18.260: written agreement and checklist

Washington generally requires a written rental agreement with deposit-retention terms and a written move-in checklist before the landlord may collect a security deposit.

The checklist should document condition, cleanliness, and existing damage. It can limit later repair or replacement deductions if an item's condition was not reasonably documented at move-in.

RCW 59.18.270: trust account and receipt

Washington requires deposit money to be placed in a trust account in a Washington financial institution or licensed escrow setting. The landlord must provide a written receipt and written depository notice.

If landlord status changes, transfer and depository notice rules may matter.

RCW 59.18.280: 30-day statement, documentation, and refund

Within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises, the landlord must provide a full and specific statement, required supporting documentation, and any refund due. For abandonment, the timing runs after the landlord learns of abandonment as defined by Washington law.

The statement, documentation, and refund may be personally delivered or deposited in U.S. mail properly addressed to the tenant's last known address with first-class postage prepaid within the 30-day period.

RCW 59.18.280: deduction limits

Washington bars deductions for wear resulting from ordinary use. Carpet cleaning cannot be deducted unless the landlord documents wear to the carpet beyond ordinary use.

Damage charges should be supported by estimates, invoices, receipts, vendor documents, or labor records. If only part of an item is damaged, the deduction should not exceed the cost tied to the damaged portion.

RCW 59.18.280: remedies

If the landlord fails to timely give the required statement, documentation, and refund, Washington can make the landlord liable for the full deposit. The landlord may also be barred from asserting some retention claims in a tenant recovery action, subject to statutory exceptions.

A court may award up to two times the deposit for intentional refusal to give the statement, documentation, or refund due. That additional award is discretionary and is not automatic.

Washington court and self-help resources

• Washington Courts small claims information
• Washington Courts small claims limits and parties
• Washington Courts forms
• Washington Attorney General landlord-tenant resources

These links are official resources, not a complete filing manual. Local District Court filing steps, service rules, forms, fees, and procedures can still vary, so confirm current instructions before filing.

Plain-English guides for these procedures

• Washington 30-day deadline guide
• What to do if your Washington deposit is not returned
• Washington move-out checklist
• Washington security deposit demand letter

The free guide above explains the Washington statutes. The paid system gives you the Washington-specific letters in order, so you are not guessing what to send next.

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