Washington Deposit Return Deadline
30 daysUnder Washington law, a landlord generally has 30 days after move-out to return your security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) — the FAQ below covers the conditions that can change the deadline.
Educational information: generated from our Washington law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Washington compares
51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Washington compares with other states in our database.
| State | Deposit Return Deadline |
|---|---|
| Washington | 30 days |
| West Virginia | 60 days |
| Wisconsin | 21 days |
| Wyoming | 30–60 days |
| Alabama | 60 days |
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
- Generally 30 days after move-out. 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.
- Can a Washington landlord keep my deposit for damages?
- Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
- What if my Washington landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
- Missing the statutory deadline (30 days) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. 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.
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.