Washington deposit deadline.
30
days to return your deposit (after termination and vacating).
What they must send
Full and specific statement plus copies of estimates/invoices; no deduction for ordinary wear or for items not on move-in checklist.
If they get it wrong
Full deposit if late; court may award up to 2x for intentional refusal; prevailing party gets fees.
Washington is one of the stricter states. The landlord has to send a full and specific statement with copies of invoices or estimates. They can't charge for normal wear, can't charge carpet cleaning without documenting extra wear, and can't charge for items whose condition wasn't on the move-in checklist. If they miss the 30 days, they owe the full deposit.
Late or overcharged?
- Count 30 days from move-out. Free checker
- Ask for receipts for every charge.
- Send a letter that cites RCW 59.18.280.
- Still nothing? Small claims court. No lawyer needed.
City rules can add to state rules.
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Letter template and general info, not legal advice. We're not a law firm.
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