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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days
Within 30 days after move-out: refund the deposit and give a full, specific statement for anything kept, with receipts or estimates
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant moves out, deliver or mail (first-class) a full and specific statement of the basis for keeping any of the deposit, with copies of estimates, invoices or receipts, and any refund due. No deductions for ordinary wear, or for items not documented on the move-in checklist.
"Within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises or, if the tenant abandons the premises as defined in RCW 59.18.310, within 30 days after the landlord learns of the abandonment, the landlord shall give a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit," app.leg.wa.gov
"and any documentation required by (b) of this subsection, together with the payment of any refund due the tenant under the terms and conditions of the rental agreement." app.leg.wa.gov
"With the statement required by (a) of this subsection, the landlord shall include copies of estimates received or invoices paid to reasonably substantiate damage charges." app.leg.wa.gov
Within 30 days after move-out: refund the deposit and give a full, specific statement for anything kept, with receipts or estimates Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant moves out, deliver or mail (first-class) a full and specific statement of the basis for keeping any of the deposit, with copies of estimates, invoices or receipts, and any refund due. No deductions for ordinary wear, or for items not documented on the move-in checklist.
Who it covers: If the tenant abandons the unit, the 30 days run from when you learn of the abandonment. Missing the deadline makes you liable for the full deposit (up to twice the deposit for intentional refusal).
"Within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises or, if the tenant abandons the premises as defined in RCW 59.18.310, within 30 days after the landlord learns of the abandonment, the landlord shall give a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit," app.leg.wa.gov
"and any documentation required by (b) of this subsection, together with the payment of any refund due the tenant under the terms and conditions of the rental agreement." app.leg.wa.gov
"With the statement required by (a) of this subsection, the landlord shall include copies of estimates received or invoices paid to reasonably substantiate damage charges." app.leg.wa.gov
"For wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises;" app.leg.wa.gov
Notes: RCW 59.18.280 (2023 c 331, which lengthened the period from 21 to 30 days).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction