Washington security-deposit return deadline
Under Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280, you have 30 days from move-out. Enter the date the tenant vacated to get your exact deadline.
Deadlines per Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280. Washington statutes change; verify with the current statute. Not legal advice.
What Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280 requires
- Return deadline: 30 days
- Deposit cap: No statewide cap (installment payment rights apply); Seattle and some cities cap deposits locally
- Deadline extended from 21 to 30 days in 2023
- Full and specific statement plus documentation (invoices, receipts, or estimates) required for any retention
- No damage deductions without a signed move-in checklist; noncompliance can forfeit retention rights and cost up to 2x the deposit
Statutes as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of Wash. Rev. Code §59.18.280 before relying on a deadline. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a Washington attorney for your situation.
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