Washington Security Deposit Law
Washington rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statutory cap on a residential security deposit. A holding fee/deposit to secure a unit may not exceed 25% of the first month's rent, and tenants may request to pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 equal monthly installments for terms of 3 months… RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610
The rules in Washington
| Security deposit limit | No statutory cap on a residential security deposit. A holding fee/deposit to secure a unit may not exceed 25% of the first month's rent, and tenants may request to pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 equal monthly installments for terms of 3 months or more; 2 otherwise). Installment right does not apply if deposits + nonrefundable fees total no more than 25% of the first full month's rent and no last month's rent is required. Refusing a valid installment request: statutory penalty of one month's rent plus attorneys' fees. HB 1217 (2025) capped move-in fees + deposits at one month's rent (two with pets) only for manufactured/mobile home lots (RCW 59.20.170), not for RCW 59.18 rentals. A deposit may only be collected if the rental agreement is in writing and a signed move-in condition checklist is provided (RCW 59.18.260). Source: RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610 |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after the rental agreement terminates and the tenant vacates (or 30 days after the landlord learns of abandonment). Most recently amended by 2023 c 331 s 4 (the deadline is 30 days under current text). Delivery may be personal or first-class mail to the tenant's last known address. Source: RCW 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) |
| Interest on deposits | Not required to pay interest to tenant. Deposits must be placed in a trust account, and unless otherwise agreed in writing the landlord is entitled to the interest. Landlord must give a written receipt. Source: RCW 59.18.270 |
| Penalty for withholding | Landlord who fails to provide the statement/documentation within 30 days owes the full deposit and loses the right to assert claims against it; court may award up to two times the deposit for intentional refusal; prevailing party gets costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. Collecting a deposit without a move-in checklist makes the landlord liable for the deposit amount (RCW 59.18.260). For tenancies starting on or after July 23, 2023, landlord suits for damages above the deposit must be filed within three years. |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
Templates
Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Washington vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | No statutory cap on a residential security deposit. A holding fee/deposit to secure a unit may not exceed 25% of the first month's rent, and tenants may request to pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 equal monthly installments for terms of 3 months or more; 2 otherwise). RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610 | 30 days after the rental agreement terminates and the tenant vacates (or 30 days after the landlord learns of abandonment). RCW 59.18.280(1) | 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. RCW 59.18.280(1) |
| Idaho | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. Idaho Code § 6-321 | 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises if the lease sets no time; the lease may set a different period but never more than 30 days. Idaho Code § 6-321 | If only part of the deposit is refunded, the landlord must include a signed statement itemizing the amounts kept, the reasons, and the expenditures. Deductions may not be taken for normal wear and tear. Idaho Code § 6-321 |
| Oregon | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. ORS 90.300 | 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession. ORS 90.300(12)-(13) | Within the same 31 days, the landlord must give a written accounting stating specifically the basis of each claim. Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably necessary to remedy tenant defaults (including unpaid rent) or repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. ORS 90.300(7), (12) |
City rules that may add to state law
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- Free legal help in Washington
Compare security deposits in all 50 states and DC →
Washington Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?
No statutory cap on a residential security deposit. A holding fee/deposit to secure a unit may not exceed 25% of the first month's rent, and tenants may request to pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 equal monthly installments for terms of 3 months or more; 2 otherwise). (RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
30 days after the rental agreement terminates and the tenant vacates (or 30 days after the landlord learns of abandonment). (RCW 59.18.280(1))
Does a landlord in Washington have to give an itemized list of deposit 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. (RCW 59.18.280(1))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Washington?
Not required to pay interest to tenant. Deposits must be placed in a trust account, and unless otherwise agreed in writing the landlord is entitled to the interest. Landlord must give a written receipt. (RCW 59.18.270)
What happens if a landlord in Washington wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
Landlord who fails to provide the statement/documentation within 30 days owes the full deposit and loses the right to assert claims against it; court may award up to two times the deposit for intentional refusal; prevailing party gets costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. (RCW 59.18.280(2)-(3); RCW 59.18.260)
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.