Washington Security Deposit Limit
no statewide limit (local caps in some cities)Washington has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits, but local rules can apply — Seattle caps deposits at 1 month's rent. Outside covered localities the amount is a matter of contract, which makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our Washington law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Washington compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Washington compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Washington | no statewide limit (local caps in some cities) |
| West Virginia | no statutory limit |
| Wisconsin | no statutory limit |
| Wyoming | no statutory limit |
| Alabama | 1 month's rent |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Washington?
- Washington sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, though local rules can apply — Seattle caps deposits at 1 month's rent. Elsewhere the amount is negotiated in the lease. Washington is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No statewide limit (Seattle limits to 1 month). Must hold in trust account and provide receipt with bank name/address. Written checklist required at move-in. Return within 30 days (changed from 21 in 2024). Failure: 2x deposit plus attorney fees.
- Does Washington require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Washington does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
- Washington landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Washington Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Washington law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Washington lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Washington for your specific situation.