Moovproof

Washington · WA

In Washington, a landlord must return a security deposit within 30 calendar days.

Return deadline
30 calendar days
Itemized statement
Required
Move-in condition list
Required of the landlord
Maximum deposit
No statutory cap
Interest on deposit
Not required

If the landlord withholds in bad faith

Missing the 30-day deadline makes the landlord liable for the full deposit; the court may award up to 2x the deposit for intentional refusal to provide the statement/refund, plus attorney fees. Collecting a deposit without providing the signed checklist forfeits the right to the deposit.

Landlord must give an itemized statement and refund within 30 days of lease end and move-out. If a deposit is collected, a written condition checklist signed by both landlord and tenant is required at move-in; skipping it forfeits the deposit. No statewide cap; no interest required.

Check your deadlineDraft a demand letter

RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.280 · source · verified 2026-07-10

General information, not legal advice. Statutes change and local rules vary — check your lease and your local law, or consult a tenant attorney or legal aid.