Washington security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: No statutory cap
Return deadline: 30 days
Interest: Not required by the statute

No statewide cap, but tenants may pay deposits, fees and last month's rent in installments, and a deposit requires a signed move-in checklist. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates, the landlord must give a full statement of any amount kept and any refund.

Source: RCW 59.18.280; 59.18.270; 59.18.610 · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

No statutory cap

Washington's statute sets no maximum: the amount is whatever the lease says. We show no « maximum » we would have to invent.

Return deadline

30 days

Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of any amount kept, with estimates or invoices, plus any refund.

Interest required

Not required by the statute

Washington: No statewide cap, but tenants may pay deposits, fees and last month's rent in installments, and a deposit requires a signed move-in checklist. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates, the landlord must give a full statement of any amount kept and any refund.

Source: RCW 59.18.280; 59.18.270; 59.18.610 · read on 2026-11-09

Washington: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?

Washington's statute sets no maximum. No statewide cap, but tenants may pay deposits, fees and last month's rent in installments, and a deposit requires a signed move-in checklist. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates, the landlord must give a full statement of any amount kept and any refund.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?

30 days. Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of any amount kept, with estimates or invoices, plus any refund.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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<p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Free <a href="https://www.proprietio.com/tools/security-deposit-calculator">security deposit calculator by state</a> by Proprietio.</p>