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

Compare this Washington source with your dates, records, and the conditions that apply to your rental.

Reviewed: 2026-08-11

How sources are checked →

Deadline context

30 days

Possible remedy

Full deposit; discretionary award up to 2x deposit

Primary statute

RCW 59.18.260-280

Official section source

What the cited source addresses

Failure to provide statement/refund within 30 days makes landlord liable for full deposit.

Read the current official section

How to review this source with your facts

  • Check what the current source says about missing statutory steps and available remedies.
  • Keep quoted source language conditional in any letter or follow-up.
  • Verify notice prerequisites, exceptions, remedies, and forum before making a legal assertion.

Frequently asked questions

Questions to compare with the current source before using the citation in a letter or filing.

What does RCW 59.18.280 address?

Failure to provide statement/refund within 30 days makes landlord liable for full deposit. Open the current official text to check coverage, definitions, and exceptions for your situation.

How long does a Washington landlord have to return the deposit?

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

Could a penalty or other remedy apply?

Full-deposit liability for noncompliance; a court may award up to 2x the deposit for intentional refusal, plus suit or arbitration costs and reasonable attorney fees, subject to statutory exceptions. Check the source's required facts, conditions, notices, defenses, and remedy language before relying on it.

Next steps

Check the current source, calculate the relevant dates, and organize the records you may reference.