Washington security deposit rules

What the law requires

• Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
• Deadline: the 30-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
• Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.

Move-out checklist

• Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
• Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
• If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing RCW 59.18.280. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.

Related Washington rules

• Late fees: No statutory cap on late fees, but no late fee may be charged for rent paid within five days after the due date; if rent is more than five days late, fees may run from the first day after the due date. In an eviction, a tenant may reinstate the tenancy by paying rent plus late fees of no more than $75 total (RCW 59.18.410). Late fee calculator.
• Notice to end a tenancy: Landlord may not end a month-to-month or periodic tenancy without one of the causes listed in RCW 59.18.650; notice depends on the cause: 90 days for owner or family move-in or sale of a single-family home, 120 days for demolition, substantial rehab or change of use (RCW 59.18.200(2)(c)), 60 days for another legitimate business reason, and 60 days to decline renewal at the end of an initial 6-12 month lease. Tenant: at least 20 days before the end of the rental period (RCW 59.18.200). Notice calculator.
• All rules on one page: Washington landlord and tenant law.