Washington Statewide Rule

Washington Security Deposit Law (RCW 59.18.260–.280)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Key Facts

Deposit cap: No statutory maximum
Return deadline: 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates
Itemized statement: Required; written checklist at move-in and itemized statement at move-out
Statute: RCW 59.18.260–.280
Penalty: Up to two times the deposit for bad-faith withholding, plus costs and fees

Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

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.

If any moneys are paid to the landlord by the tenant as a deposit or as security for performance of the tenant's obligations in a lease or rental agreement, the lease or rental agreement shall be in writing and shall include the terms and conditions under which the deposit or portion thereof may be withheld by the landlord upon termination of the lease or rental agreement.

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Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?

There is no statutory limit. RCW 59.18.260 lets a landlord require a security deposit but sets no maximum amount, so the cap is whatever the parties agree to. A deposit can only be collected, however, if there is a written rental agreement and a written move-in condition checklist.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?

Thirty days. Under RCW 59.18.280, the landlord must return the deposit and provide a written, itemized statement of any deductions within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates the premises. This deadline was lengthened from 21 days by 2023 legislation.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Washington?

Only unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage the tenant caused beyond ordinary wear and tear. Each deduction must appear in the written itemized statement delivered within 30 days. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged, and no deposit deductions are valid unless the required move-in checklist was provided.

Sources

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