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 Washington
Washington: 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)
The rule in plain words
- Return by: 30 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
- Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, other lease obligations. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
- Interest: No.
- Penalty: 2x the deposit if the violation is willful or intentional.
- City ordinances: Seattle.
The rule text
Within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises ... the landlord shall give a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit, and any documentation required by (b) of this subsection, together with the payment of any refund due the tenant under the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
Rev. Code Wash. 59.18.280(1)(a). Source: RCW 59.18.280 Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant -- Statement and notice of basis for retention -- Remedies, read 2026-10-09.
Notes on this rule (1)
- Deposits and fees may be paid in installments on request (RCW 59.18.610, seen in the chapter text, not quoted).
Research notes (1)
How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.
- No statewide deposit cap found in RCW 59.18 (full chapter text searched 2026-10-09).
Worked example
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 (Washington) 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.
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.