How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit in Washington, the deadline to return it after move-out, and the statute that controls — verified June 7, 2026.
No statutory limit (statewide); some cities cap at 1 month (e.g., Seattle). No statewide deposit cap; local ordinances may. 30-day statement/refund deadline; intentional refusal can trigger up to 2x the deposit.
30 days (full and specific statement of basis for retaining any deposit, plus any refund). Read Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 (return); see also § 59.18.270 (trust account) for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.
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No statutory limit (statewide); some cities cap at 1 month (e.g., Seattle). No statewide deposit cap; local ordinances may. 30-day statement/refund deadline; intentional refusal can trigger up to 2x the deposit. This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 (return); see also § 59.18.270 (trust account)) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.
30 days (full and specific statement of basis for retaining any deposit, plus any refund). See Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 (return); see also § 59.18.270 (trust account) for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 (return); see also § 59.18.270 (trust account). The official text is published by the state at https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18.280.
No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.
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