Washington Security Deposit Laws
Washington has no statewide cap on security deposits but requires them to be held in a trust account.
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Key Rules
- Limit
- No statewide statutory maximum
- Return Deadline
- 21 days after tenant vacates
- Itemization Required
- Yes — itemized written statement required; failure may result in forfeiture of deductions
- Trust Account Required
- Yes — deposit must be kept in a separate trust account
- Bad Faith Penalty
- Tenant may recover twice the deposit amount for bad-faith withholding plus attorney's fees
Applicable Statutes
Security deposit rules: no statutory cap on amount. Landlord must return deposit within 21 days after tenant vacates with itemized written statement of deductions. Deposit must be held in a trust account.
Written rental agreement required when deposit collected: if landlord collects a deposit, a written rental agreement with a written checklist of unit condition is required.
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.