Washington landlord-tenant law

Security deposit limit

Not yet verified

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates or invoices) plus any refund owed.

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.280 · last checked 2026-10-15

Notice to enter

At least two days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window, and entry only at reasonable times. One day's notice is enough to show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. No notice is needed in an emergency or if the unit is abandoned.

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6) · last checked 2026-10-15

Rent increase notice

At least 90 days' prior written notice of a rent increase (30 days for certain income-based subsidized tenancies), and the increase can't take effect before the end of the rental agreement term.

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.140 · last checked 2026-10-15

Late fees

No late fee for rent paid within 5 days of its due date. After that, late fees may run from the first day after the due date.

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.170(2) · last checked 2026-10-15

Eviction notice (nonpayment)

14-day notice to pay rent or vacate, in the statutory form.

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.057 · last checked 2026-10-15

Rent control / state preemption

There is a statewide cap: no rent increase during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and no more than 7% plus CPI, or 10% (whichever is less), in any 12-month period (exemptions under RCW 59.18.710; Commerce publishes the yearly maximum). Cities and towns may not adopt their own rent control (RCW 35.21.830).

Verified Source: RCW 59.18.700; RCW 35.21.830 · last checked 2026-10-15