What is the Washington security deposit return deadline?

30 days after termination and tenant vacates (30 days).

What penalties can apply in Washington?

Full deposit + up to 2x for intentional refusal. See RCW 59.18.260-280.

District Court, Small Claims Division limit: $10,000. Filing fees: $35-$55.

Yes. A move-in condition checklist is required in some situations and can impact whether a landlord may lawfully keep deposit funds for damages.

Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.

Last verified 2026-01-26•RCW 59.18.260-280

Deadline

30 days

30 days after termination and tenant vacates

Penalty

Full deposit + up to 2x for intentional refusal

Small claims limit

$10,000

District Court, Small Claims Division

Move-in checklistRequired

Pre move-out inspectionNot required

Certified mailNot required

Forwarding addressNot required

MANDATORY move-in checklist required - without it, landlord cannot effectively claim damages
Must include actual receipts, bills, or estimates with itemized statement
Self-performed repairs must document time spent and reasonable hourly rate
Intentional refusal can result in 2x deposit + costs + attorney fees

Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.

RCW 59.18.280 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with full and specific statement
RCW 59.18.280 - Landlord must provide full and specific statement with receipts/bills/estimates
RCW 59.18.280 - Statement must include copies of repair estimates, bills, or receipts
RCW 59.18.280 - Landlord cannot charge for ordinary wear and tear
RCW 59.18.280 - Failure to provide statement/refund within 30 days makes landlord liable for full deposit
RCW 59.18.280 - Intentional refusal may result in up to 2x deposit + costs + attorney fees
RCW 59.18.260 - Landlord cannot collect deposit without providing move-in checklist

Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.

Notes

MANDATORY move-in checklist required - without it, landlord cannot effectively claim damages

Must include actual receipts, bills, or estimates with itemized statement

Self-performed repairs must document time spent and reasonable hourly rate

Intentional refusal can result in 2x deposit + costs + attorney fees

Citations

Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.

RCW 59.18.280 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with full and specific statement

RCW 59.18.280 - Landlord must provide full and specific statement with receipts/bills/estimates

RCW 59.18.280 - Statement must include copies of repair estimates, bills, or receipts

RCW 59.18.280 - Landlord cannot charge for ordinary wear and tear

RCW 59.18.280 - Failure to provide statement/refund within 30 days makes landlord liable for full deposit

RCW 59.18.280 - Intentional refusal may result in up to 2x deposit + costs + attorney fees

RCW 59.18.260 - Landlord cannot collect deposit without providing move-in checklist