Washington deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• 30 days.

  After your lease ends and you're out, your landlord has 30 days to send a full and specific statement of what they kept, plus any refund.

  RCW 59.18.280(1)(a)

• Proof, not guesses.

  They have to include estimates or paid invoices. If they did the work, their hours and hourly rate.

  RCW 59.18.280(1)(b)

• Off limits.

  Wear from ordinary use. Carpet cleaning, unless they document real wear. Anything not written on the move-in checklist. More than the cost of fixing the damaged part.

  RCW 59.18.280(1)(c)

• No checklist, no deposit.

  If they took a deposit without giving you a signed move-in checklist, they owe you the whole deposit.

  RCW 59.18.260(5)

• Miss it, owe it all.

  Late or missing statement means they owe the full deposit. Refusing on purpose can cost up to twice the deposit, plus fees.

  RCW 59.18.280(2)

Not covered here yet: Hotels, dorm-style and care facilities, and housing that comes with a job.

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.