Washington Security Deposit Law (2026): Limit & Deadline

Maximum deposit

No statutory limit

Return deadline

30 days

Controlling statute

Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 (return); see also § 59.18.270 (trust account)

No statutory dollar cap. Washington sets no statewide limit on the deposit amount — but local ordinances may, and the return deadline above still applies. Market practice is typically 1–2 months of rent.

Maximum security deposit in Washington

Returning 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.

Compare with other states

See the full sortable table in our free security deposit limits by state tool, or jump to another state below.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Washington?

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.

When must a landlord return a security deposit in Washington?

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.

What statute governs security deposits in Washington?

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.

Is this legal advice?

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.

Washington security deposit law