Washington Security Deposit Laws
Washington has no statewide cap on security deposits but requires them to be held in a trust account.
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
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Written checklist requirement: before collecting a deposit, the landlord must give the tenant a written checklist or statement describing the unit's condition, cleanliness, and existing damage (walls, flooring, furniture, appliances). The checklist must be signed and dated by both parties. A landlord who collects a deposit without providing this checklist is liable to the tenant for the full deposit amount plus attorney fees and court costs.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
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.
Source confirmed · Official state source
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.