Washington Deposit return deadline
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
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 2026-10-31
How this works in Washington
Washington gives you 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out to provide a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates or invoices) plus any refund owed. The court may in its discretion award up to two times the amount of the deposit for the intentional refusal of the landlord to give the statement, documentation, or refund due, unless the landlord shows that circumstances beyond the landlord's control prevented the landlord from providing the statement and any such documentation within 30 days, or that the tenant abandoned the premises as described in RCW 59.18.310.
Worked example for Washington
Example: A tenancy ends and the tenant moves out on April 30, 2026. The full, specific statement of reasons for any retention, with estimates or invoices, plus any refund owed, is due within 30 days, by May 30, 2026. If a landlord intentionally refuses to give the statement, documentation, or refund due, the court may in its discretion award up to two times the amount of the deposit, unless the landlord shows that circumstances beyond the landlord's control prevented timely delivery, or that the tenant abandoned the premises as described in RCW 59.18.310.
Washington timelines and limits
| Statement and any refund | 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 |
|---|---|
| Intentional refusal | The court may in its discretion award up to two times the amount of the deposit, unless circumstances beyond the landlord's control prevented timely delivery, or the tenant abandoned the premises as described in RCW 59.18.310 |
Washington FAQ
How long does a Washington landlord have to return a deposit?
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, under RCW 59.18.280.
What has to be in the statement?
A full, specific statement of reasons for any retention, with estimates or invoices, plus any refund owed.
What is the penalty for intentionally refusing to give the statement, documentation, or refund?
The court may in its discretion award up to two times the amount of the deposit, unless the landlord shows that circumstances beyond the landlord's control prevented timely delivery, or that the tenant abandoned the premises as described in RCW 59.18.310.
Sources for this section: RCW 59.18.280 (checked 2026-10-31)
Same topic in neighboring states
All Washington landlord-tenant law · Washington landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist
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