RCW 59.18.280.
Before collecting a deposit.
Invoices, estimates, receipts or documented landlord labor depending on the work.
Beyond-ordinary-use wear must be documented for a deposit deduction.
Washington charge guides
These pages are indexable because they are built from current Washington State Legislature RCW pages.
Security Deposit
Washington security deposit checklist, trust-account, 30-day accounting and documentation rules.
Open guide →30-Day Deposit Rule
Washington’s 30-day deadline for the deposit statement, required documentation and refund.
Open guide →Move-In Checklist
Why a signed Washington condition checklist matters before a landlord collects a security deposit.
Open guide →Damage Documentation
Washington move-out damage charges should be supported by invoices, estimates, receipts or documented landlord labor.
Open guide →Wear & Carpet Cleaning
Washington deposit law restricts ordinary-use deductions and routine carpet-cleaning charges.
Open guide →Deposit Trust Account
Washington landlords must place security deposits in a qualifying trust account or licensed escrow arrangement and provide notice.
Open guide →Charges Beyond Deposit
Washington rules for damage claims exceeding the deposit, including documentation and a three-year lawsuit period for newer tenancies.
Open guide →Why Washington is strong for bill checking
Washington does not let a damage deduction exist as an unexplained number. The current statute expressly calls for supporting estimates, invoices, receipts or landlord labor/material documentation and limits charges for ordinary use, routine carpet cleaning and partial damage.
Primary sources
Primary law requiring a written rental agreement and signed condition checklist before a landlord collects a deposit, and prohibiting withholding for wear from ordinary use.
Washington State LegislatureRCW 59.18.270 — deposit trust account ↗Primary law requiring security deposits to be placed in a Washington trust account or qualifying escrow arrangement, with receipt and depository notice.
Washington State LegislatureRCW 59.18.280 — 30-day statement, documentation and refund ↗Primary law for the 30-day statement/refund deadline, invoice and estimate support, carpet-cleaning limits and remedies.