States/Washington/Damage Documentation
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Washington renter guide

Washington Damage Charge Documentation Requirements

Washington requires more than a bare dollar amount for damage deductions. RCW 59.18.280 specifies documentation that should accompany the retention statement.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 primary source cited
Third-party workEstimate or invoice copies

Required to reasonably substantiate damage charges.

Landlord laborTime + hourly rate

The statement must include time spent and the reasonable hourly rate.

Materials already on hand still need support

The statute allows bills, invoices, receipts, vendor price lists or other vendor documents that reasonably document the cost of materials or supplies used in repair or cleaning.

Partial damage should not mean full replacement automatically

RCW 59.18.280 restricts withholding beyond the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged portion when the damage does not encompass the item’s entirety.

Local rules can be stricter. This guide summarizes the statewide Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. City-level protections may add deposit, fee, notice or move-out requirements.

Official sources

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