Security deposit law in Washington

The rule in Washington

Washington sets no statutory cap on the size of a residential security deposit: the source checked (Washington State Legislature, RCW 59.18.280) states no maximum, so the amount is whatever the lease says.

The return deadline is 30 days, counted after the agreement ends and the tenant vacates (or the landlord learns of abandonment). The text reads: “Within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 15 give landlords less time and 9 give more; the median is 30 days. 19 others also allow 30 days, among them Iowa, Kansas, Maine and Massachusetts.

Without a cap there is no dollar ceiling to compute. For comparison, 27 of the 44 verified jurisdictions do cap deposits, from one month's rent in states such as Alabama up to three months' rent in Nevada.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on December 30, 2026.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: Idaho allows 21 days and sets no cap and Oregon allows 31 days and sets no cap.

RCW 59.18.260 bars collecting any deposit unless the rental agreement is in writing and a signed condition checklist is given.

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Washington is $10,000 (small claims rules).

Sources: Washington State Legislature, RCW 59.18.280; Washington State Legislature, RCW 59.18.260 · last checked October 20, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.