Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Washington

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Washington law says

Itemized deductions	Required: a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit, with supporting documentation (estimates, invoices, receipts; time and hourly rate for landlord's own labor). No deductions for ordinary wear, for carpet cleaning unless wear exceeds ordinary use, or for conditions not documented on the move-in checklist. Source: RCW 59.18.280(1)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	'Wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises' means deterioration from intended use, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but not deterioration from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse by the tenant, family, occupants or guests. No deposit may be withheld for ordinary wear; for carpet cleaning unless the landlord documents carpet wear beyond ordinary use; for items whose condition was not documented in the move-in checklist; or for more than the cost to repair the damaged portion of an item. The landlord must include estimates or invoices (or time and hourly rate for in-house work) to substantiate damage charges. The definition was renumbered (subsection 39 to 45) by Laws of 2026, ch. 55, effective Jan. 1, 2027, with no change in wording. Source: RCW 59.18.030; 59.18.280(1)

Itemized deductions

Required: a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit, with supporting documentation (estimates, invoices, receipts; time and hourly rate for landlord's own labor). No deductions for ordinary wear, for carpet cleaning unless wear exceeds ordinary use, or for conditions not documented on the move-in checklist.

Source: RCW 59.18.280(1)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

'Wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises' means deterioration from intended use, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but not deterioration from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse by the tenant, family, occupants or guests. No deposit may be withheld for ordinary wear; for carpet cleaning unless the landlord documents carpet wear beyond ordinary use; for items whose condition was not documented in the move-in checklist; or for more than the cost to repair the damaged portion of an item. The landlord must include estimates or invoices (or time and hourly rate for in-house work) to substantiate damage charges.

The definition was renumbered (subsection 39 to 45) by Laws of 2026, ch. 55, effective Jan. 1, 2027, with no change in wording.

Source: RCW 59.18.030; 59.18.280(1)

Fill it in

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Washington tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.