State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Washington Security Deposit Laws
Under Washington RCW § 59.18.280, Washington landlords must return security deposits within 21 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 2x the deposit if bad faith withholding.
Quick Answer
In Washington, landlords have 21 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000) and may recover Up to 2x the deposit if bad faith withholding under Washington RCW § 59.18.280. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Washington Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 21 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 2x the deposit if bad faith withholding. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $10,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No statewide requirement; Seattle requires interest
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $700-2,0005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Mold Treatment
Typical: $200-700May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Washington deposit: $1,750 · Potential 92x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Washington landlord have to return my deposit?
Washington landlords have 21 days to return your deposit with a written statement of deductions.
What about Seattle's specific rules?
Seattle has additional protections including caps on total move-in costs and mandatory interest on deposits.
What penalties exist for Washington landlords?
Bad faith withholding can result in up to 2x the deposit amount. Washington courts are tenant-friendly.
City-Specific Rules
Some Washington cities have additional tenant protections:
- Seattle: Move-in cost caps. Mandatory interest. First-in-time rental law. Strong tenant protections.
- Tacoma: Additional tenant protections through city ordinances.
Official Resources
- Washington Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Northwest Justice Project(Legal Aid)
- Tenants Union of Washington(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Washington's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Washington RCW § 59.18.280 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527