If the repair is yours to pay
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Repair-request & landlord/tenant forms (LawDepot)Templates for a notice to repair, security-deposit demand, and more.
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Default rule and exceptions
Washington landlords have 30 days after the tenant vacates to give a full statement of any deposit withheld, with supporting documentation, or owe the tenant the full deposit, and may never withhold any portion for wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises (RCW 59.18.280).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Landlord | Give a full, documented statement of any deposit withheld within 30 days of move-out, or owe the tenant the full deposit. |
| Tenant | Is not liable for wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises, no portion of the deposit may be withheld for it. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 19, 2026.
Within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises... the landlord shall give a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit... together with the payment of any refund due the tenant.
No portion of any deposit may be withheld: (i) For wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises.
City rules rest on state law. Read Washington's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for security deposit: damage vs wear in Statewide, WA?
Responsibility is shared. Give a full, documented statement of any deposit withheld within 30 days of move-out, or owe the tenant the full deposit.
What is this based on for Statewide, WA?
This verdict is sourced to RCW 59.18.280(1)(a) (30-day statement/refund deadline) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- RCW 59.18.280(1)(a) (30-day statement/refund deadline)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- RCW 59.18.280(1)(c)(i) (no withholding for ordinary wear)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
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