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Washington security deposit rules

30 days
to return your deposit or send an itemized list
Up to 2x if intentionally withheld, plus attorney fees
possible penalty if they don't follow the rules

30 days since July 2023 (was 21). Landlord needs a signed move-in checklist to keep any of it.

What to do to get your deposit back

  1. Photograph every room when you move out (walls, floors, appliances, inside cabinets). Keep your move-in photos too.
  2. Send your forwarding address in writing, with the date.
  3. Mark the deadline: 30 days after you move out.
  4. If it's late or the deductions look wrong, send a written demand letter that cites RCW 59.18.280.
  5. Still nothing? Small claims court is built for this, and you usually don't need a lawyer.
Let Stoop handle it.

Text Stoop your move-out date. It tracks your Washington deadline, saves your photos, and writes the demand letter if your landlord is late. Free, no app.

Text Stoop or text (855) 254-5250

Law: RCW 59.18.280. Updated November 2026. General information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the current statute or a local tenant organization for your situation.