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Washington Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates (since July 23, 2023). The statement must include documentation such as receipts or invoices. |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | No cap |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | Full deposit; a court may award up to 2x |
| Statute | RCW 59.18.280 |
Washington requires a signed move-in condition checklist before you can keep any of the deposit, and the deduction statement must include documentation such as receipts or invoices.
Washington deadline calculator
Room-by-room condition report: 12 rooms, 99 items, move-in and move-out columns, signature lines, and tips that win deposit disputes. Works for Washington rentals. PDF, 5 pages, no sign-up.
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
DepositDay walks you through the move-in and move-out inspection with timestamped photos, counts down your Washington deadline from move-out day, and writes the itemized deduction letter.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
Under RCW 59.18.280, a Washington landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Details: 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates (since July 23, 2023). The statement must include documentation such as receipts or invoices.
What is the maximum security deposit in Washington?
Washington law sets no maximum security deposit.
What happens if a Washington landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Washington: full deposit; a court may award up to 2x. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of RCW 59.18.280, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.