Under RCW 59.18.270, all security and damage deposits collected from King County tenants must be held in a trust account at a Washington financial institution, with the tenant given written notice of the bank's name and address within the lease.
Washington law requires that any deposit, fee, or prepaid rent be held in a trust account, not commingled with the landlord's operating funds. The lease must identify the bank in writing, and the landlord must provide a written checklist of the unit's condition before collecting any deposit. Within 30 days of tenant move-out, the landlord must return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions; Seattle's Renting in Seattle code shortens this to 21 days for properties under SMC 22.206. Wear and tear is not deductible, and the burden of proof on damage falls on the landlord. Failure to comply forfeits the deposit and exposes the landlord to up to twice the deposit in damages.
Commingling deposits, failing to identify the trust bank, missing the 30-day return deadline, or charging for normal wear and tear can result in forfeiture of the entire deposit plus damages up to twice the deposit and attorney fees.
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, fences 6 feet or less in height may be built on or within property lines without a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State R...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self...
King County, WA
King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.16...
See how King County's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.