Security deposit law in Washington

No statutory limit. The return rule is 30 days. The controlling text is Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.260 to 285.

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Washington's return deadline

30 days.

You have 30 days after the tenancy ends to give a full and specific written statement of the basis for keeping any of the deposit, together with any refund due. The statement counts as delivered if it is mailed to the tenant's last known address within the 30 days.

The itemized statement rule

A full and specific statement, with documentation of the charges, is required within 30 days, and you must have given the tenant a written move-in condition checklist at the start, or you cannot withhold for damage at all. The move-in checklist is a precondition to any deduction.

Where the deposit must be held

Deposits must be held in a trust account with a bank or licensed escrow agent, and the tenant must be told in writing where the deposit is held.

Exposure for wrongful withholding

Forfeit deposit; up to 2x (intentional).

A landlord who misses the 30-day statement is liable for the full deposit, and a court may award up to twice the deposit for an intentional refusal to provide the statement or refund. The move-in checklist and the 30-day statement are the two non-negotiables.

Washington has no statutory deposit maximum

No statutory limit.

Compare Washington with neighboring states

• Oregon: no statutory limit; return rule: 31 days.
• Idaho: no statutory limit; return rule: 21 days.