WASHINGTON · LANDLORD BLOG

Washington landlord guidance

Landlord-tenant law, lease writing, screening, eviction practice, and rent rules for Washington.

Back to all posts
State Compliance June 5, 2026 · 6 min

Security Deposit Rules in Washington: Caps, Timelines, and What Tenants Can Sue Over

Washington landlords follow RCW 59.18.260 and RCW 59.18.280 for security deposits. No statewide cap exists, you must return deposits within 21 days with an itemized statement, and tenants can sue for up to double the deposit plus $2,000 in penalties. Here is your compliance checklist.

By Curt Sloan Read

Get the weekly digest

One statute update, one practical tactic, one landlord story. Mondays. Free.

Subscribe
See how it works