Washington sets no dollar cap on residential security deposits, but it controls how they are collected and returned. A landlord may collect a deposit only with a written rental agreement and a written move-in checklist describing the unit's condition. After the tenancy ends, the landlord has 30 days to refund the deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
Under RCW 59.18.260, "no deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement" describing the condition of the premises is provided to the tenant at the start of the tenancy. The statute sets no maximum deposit amount. Under RCW 59.18.280, "within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises" the landlord must return the deposit and give a written, itemized statement of the basis for any amount withheld. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear; normal wear and tear may not be charged.
If a landlord fails to provide the itemized statement and refund within 30 days, the tenant may recover the full deposit. Under RCW 59.18.280, a court may "in its discretion award up to two times the amount of the deposit" for the landlord's intentional, bad-faith refusal to return what is due, plus court costs and attorneys' fees.
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