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Free letter Β· Washington Β· updated 2026

Washington Security Deposit Return Letter (Itemized Statement)

The itemized statement Washington requires when you keep any part of a deposit β€” due within 30 days under RCW 59.18.260, 59.18.280 β€” generated from the deposit settlement in your ledger, with every deduction, the refund and the statute already in it.

Free forever Β· emailed with a delivery record Β· reviewed against Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act)
30 daysReturn deadline30 days
No limitMaximum depositNo statutory limit
NoInterest owedNo
RequiredItemized statementRequired, with documentation of damage costs

What applies to your Washington move-out?

Pick the situation; the rule on each card is Washington's statutory minimum β€” your lease can be more generous to the tenant, never less.

30days
Deductions takenSend the itemized list and the balance within 30 days. Normal wear and tear is never deductible; unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, and charges the lease allows are.Generated in-app from the settlement
30days
Full refundNo deductions to list, but the refund itself is still due within the same period. The statement is your proof of the date.Generated in-app from the settlement
Still due
No forwarding addressWashington does not pause the clock for a missing address: send to the last known address and keep proof of the attempt.Reference
No
Interest on the depositWashington does not require interest on a residential deposit β€” the amount returned is the amount held, less deductions.Reference

What a Washington deposit statement must contain

βœ“
Tenant name(s) and the rental addressPlus the date the tenant surrendered the premises β€” that is when the 30 days start.
βœ“
The deposit held, including pet depositsThe full amount received at move-in, so the math adds up from the tenant's side.
βœ“
Each deduction, described and priced"Damage" is not enough; "carpet replacement, bedroom 2, tenant-caused stain β€” $240" is. Washington requires receipts or invoices with the deductions.RCW 59.18.260, 59.18.280
βœ“
The balance refunded (or owed)If deductions exceed the deposit, the statement doubles as the demand for the difference.
βœ“
Sent to the forwarding address, on timeMail it to the address the tenant gave; keep the date and the method. 30 days.
βœ“
Landlord signature and dateAnd a copy on file with the lease β€” the court asks for it if the tenant sues.auto-logged

How it works

1 Β· Settle the depositAccounting β†’ Deposit Disposition β†’ Settle. Deposit held is pulled from the lease; add each deduction with a description and amount.
2 Β· Review the statementThe Washington deadline, the statute and the deduction list are filled in. Add the forwarding address and receipts.
3 Β· Send and keep the recordEmailed to the tenant and downloadable for mailing; date, method and the PDF are logged with the tenant β€” the ledger posts the refund at the same time.

Washington deposit return FAQ

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

30 days (RCW 59.18.260, 59.18.280).

What can I deduct from the deposit in Washington?

Unpaid rent and charges the lease allows, and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Not routine cleaning, repainting, or carpet wear from ordinary use. Each deduction must be itemized with receipts.

Is there a limit on the deposit in Washington?

No β€” Washington sets no statutory maximum on a residential security deposit; the lease sets the amount.

Do I owe interest on the deposit?

No.

What if the deductions are more than the deposit?

The statement shows the balance owed and the tenant is liable for it. The in-app settlement posts the difference to accounts receivable so it is not forgotten.

Settle the deposit and send the Washington statement in one step

Deductions, refund, deadline and the statute filled in from your ledger. Free.

Get Started Free β†’

Deadlines and rules are Washington's statutory minimums as of 2026, reviewed against Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act). General information for landlords, not legal advice; local ordinances can add requirements.