Washington landlord forms / Security Deposit Return Letter

Washington Security Deposit Return Letter

$19

An itemized security deposit return letter, timed to your state's statutory deadline — this is the single most litigated moment in a tenancy, and missing the deadline or itemization requirement can cost a landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.

Core state figures — deposit caps, notice periods, entry rules — independently verified by a licensed U.S. attorney.

Start my security deposit return letter — $19

What Washington law requires

Security deposit cap: Washington does not limit how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit on an ordinary residential lease (a separate, lower cap of one month's rent — two months' if the tenant has pets — applies only to manufactured/mobile home LOT rentals under a different chapter of state law, RCW 59.20.170, which does not apply here). The deposit must be held in a trust account at a Washington financial institution or with a licensed escrow agent.
RCW 59.18.270 · source
Deposit return deadline: 30 days after move-out
RCW 59.18.280 · source
Month-to-month termination notice: 60 days
RCW 59.18.650 · source
Pay-or-quit notice (late rent): 14 days
RCW 59.12.030(3); RCW 59.18.057 · source
Landlord entry notice: 2 days
RCW 59.18.150 · source
Late fee guidance: no statutory cap
RCW 59.18.170 · source

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Most states penalize a late or non-itemized return — commonly forfeiting the right to withhold any amount, sometimes with additional statutory damages. Deadlines vary by state; this document is timed to yours.

Do I need to itemize every deduction?

Yes, in virtually every state — a vague "cleaning and repairs" line is not sufficient. List each deduction separately with its own amount.

Need more than one document?

The Complete Landlord Pack includes this document plus 5 more for Washington, with unlimited edits for 12 months.

See the Washington pack