Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.
Reference
Security deposit rules in Seattle, WA
Washington (Seattle): return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy. If the tenant abandons the premises (RCW 59.18.310), 30 days after the landlord learns of the abandonment. Interest: no. Penalty if the violation is willful or intentional: 2x the deposit. (Rev. Code Wash. 59.18.280; Seattle Mun. Code ch. 7.24 (SDCI Move-In Charges))
What the city changes
deposit cap 1 month(s) of rent. Everything else follows Washington's rule (Rev. Code Wash. 59.18.280).
The rule text
The total amount of the security deposit and the move-in fees combined cannot exceed one month's rent
Seattle Mun. Code ch. 7.24 (SDCI Move-In Charges). Source: Move-In Charges (common code questions), read 2026-10-09.
Notes on this ordinance (1)
- No city change to the return deadline found; RCW 59.18.280 (state row) governs return, itemization and penalty.
Research notes (1)
How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.
- Secondary sources say a cleaning deduction is barred if a nonrefundable cleaning fee was charged; not confirmed on an official page (ordinance text on Municode is script-rendered). Treat as unverified.
Worked example
The same move-out as on the state pages. A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.
- Return by
- October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
- Allowed deductions
- $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
- Refund due
- $500.00
Interest $0.00.
The draft statement for this example
DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT Rule: Rev. Code Wash. 59.18.280; Seattle Mun. Code ch. 7.24 (SDCI Move-In Charges) (Washington, Seattle) Move-out date: September 30, 2026 Security deposit held $2,000.00 Deduction: Unpaid rent -$300.00 Deduction: Carpet -$1,200.00 Total deductions -$1,500.00 Refund due to tenant $500.00 Return by October 30, 2026 Notes: - Copies of estimates received or invoices paid for damage charges; for in-house repairs a bill, invoice or receipt for materials (or vendor price documentation) and a statement of time spent and hourly rate (59.18.280(1)(b)). No dollar threshold. Not required for rent or other non-damage charges (59.18.280(4)). - Itemized under Rev. Code Wash. 59.18.280; Seattle Mun. Code ch. 7.24 (SDCI Move-In Charges).
Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.