How much security deposit can a Washington landlord charge?

The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act conditions the deposit rather than capping it: “No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy specifically describing the condition and cleanliness of or existing damages to the premises, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and furnishings.” If part of the deposit may be withheld for damage, the written agreement must say so.

How long does a Washington landlord have to return the deposit?

Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates — or within 30 days after the landlord learns of an abandonment — the landlord must give “a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit,” with the supporting documentation the statute requires, together with any refund due.

How much notice is required to end a month-to-month lease in Washington?

A month-to-month tenancy “shall end by written notice of 20 days or more, preceding the end of any of the months or periods of tenancy, given by the tenant.” The landlord does not have a matching free-notice option: a landlord “may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for the causes enumerated” in RCW 59.18.650.

Is this legal advice?

No. Free Contract Generator provides self-help templates and general information, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Landlord-tenant law is state- and city-specific and changes; confirm the current rules and consult a licensed attorney for your situation.

Free Washington Residential Lease & Rental Agreement Template

Washington attaches a condition to taking a deposit at all: no written agreement and no signed move-in checklist means no deposit may be collected. That, the thirty-day refund and the two-day notice to enter are the rules most Washington leases get wrong — each is quoted below with its RCW section.

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Washington rules landlords must follow

Security deposit cap No deposit without a written checklist

The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act conditions the deposit rather than capping it: “No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy specifically describing the condition and cleanliness of or existing damages to the premises, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and furnishings.” If part of the deposit may be withheld for damage, the written agreement must say so.

RCW 59.18.260(1)–(2) · second source
Deposit return deadline 30 days

Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates — or within 30 days after the landlord learns of an abandonment — the landlord must give “a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit,” with the supporting documentation the statute requires, together with any refund due.

RCW 59.18.280(1)(a) · second source
Ending a month-to-month tenancy Tenant 20 days · landlord needs a cause

A month-to-month tenancy “shall end by written notice of 20 days or more, preceding the end of any of the months or periods of tenancy, given by the tenant.” The landlord does not have a matching free-notice option: a landlord “may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for the causes enumerated” in RCW 59.18.650.

RCW 59.18.200(1)(a); RCW 59.18.650(1)(a) · second source
Notice to enter Two days, in writing

Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, “the landlord shall give the tenant at least two days’ written notice of his or her intent to enter and shall enter only at reasonable times.” Washington’s two days is shorter than the 24-hour standard elsewhere only in name — it is two days, not one.

RCW 59.18.150(6)

Required disclosures

Lead-based paint (federal): For any housing built before 1978, federal law requires the landlord to disclose known lead-based paint and hazards, give the EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home,” and include a lead warning in the lease. 42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 CFR Part 35 / 40 CFR Part 745

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FAQ

Washington lease questions

How much security deposit can a Washington landlord charge?: The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act conditions the deposit rather than capping it: “No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy specifically describing the condition and cleanliness of or existing damages to the premises, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and furnishings.” If part of the deposit may be withheld for damage, the written agreement must say so.
How long does a Washington landlord have to return the deposit?: Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant vacates — or within 30 days after the landlord learns of an abandonment — the landlord must give “a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit,” with the supporting documentation the statute requires, together with any refund due.
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month lease in Washington?: A month-to-month tenancy “shall end by written notice of 20 days or more, preceding the end of any of the months or periods of tenancy, given by the tenant.” The landlord does not have a matching free-notice option: a landlord “may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for the causes enumerated” in RCW 59.18.650.
Is this legal advice?: No. Free Contract Generator provides self-help templates and general information, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Landlord-tenant law is state- and city-specific and changes; confirm the current rules and consult a licensed attorney for your situation.

Rules on this page were checked against the official source cited beside each item on September 6, 2026. Laws change — confirm the current rule before you rely on it. This page is general information, not legal advice.