Washington Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 calendar days, you may be entitled to up to twice the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld under Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280(2).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 21 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $10,000
- Walk-through inspection: Tenant has the right to a move-out inspection
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide written checklist describing condition at move-in and move-out
- Landlord must provide full statement of deductions within 21 days
- If landlord fails to provide statement, may forfeit right to withhold any portion
- Deposit must be deposited in a trust account at a WA bank
What Your Washington Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Washington's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
21 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
up to twice the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Washington Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Washington?
Under Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280, your landlord has 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Washington landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to up to twice the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld under Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280(2). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Washington?
Under Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280, the maximum security deposit in Washington is no statutory limit.
Does my Washington landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Washington law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 21 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Washington?
Yes. Washington small claims court handles cases up to $10,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Washington?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Washington-specific demand letter citing Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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