Security Deposit Not Returned in Seattle: What Can I Do?

What the law says

1. 1

   Your landlord has 30 days after you move out to return your deposit. If they keep any of it, they must send you a written statement in those same 30 days saying why.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.280(1)(a), Washington State Legislature. Law.
2. 2

   If your landlord charges you for damage, they must send copies of estimates or paid bills to prove the cost.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.280(1)(b), Washington State Legislature. Law.
3. 3

   Your landlord cannot take money from your deposit for normal wear from living in the home.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.280(1)(c)(i), Washington State Legislature. Law.
4. 4

   Your landlord cannot charge you for carpet cleaning, unless they have written proof the carpet is worn beyond normal use.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.280(1)(c)(ii), Washington State Legislature. Law.
5. 5

   Your landlord cannot report damage charges they have not proven to a credit agency, a tenant screening service, or a future landlord. They also cannot send those charges to a debt collector.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.280(3)(b), Washington State Legislature. Law.
6. 6

   In Seattle, your landlord must refund your whole deposit if you and the landlord never signed a move-in checklist when you moved in.

   Source:

   1. Deposit Returns, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. A government guide.

If your landlord does not pay

7. 7

   If your landlord misses the 30 day deadline, they owe you the full deposit back.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.280(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
8. 8

   If your landlord kept your deposit on purpose, a court can order them to pay you up to 2 times the deposit. For example if your deposit is $1000, the court can decide you are owed up to $2000. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

   Sources:

   1. Our editorial rules.
   2. RCW 59.18.280(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
9. 9

   If you go to court over your deposit and win, your landlord pays your court costs and your lawyer fees.

   Source:

   1. RCW 59.18.280(2), Washington State Legislature. Law.
10. 10

    You can report your landlord to the Violation Complaint Line at (206) 615-0808 if they do not give your deposit back. Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections can cite landlords who illegally keep deposits.

    Source:

    1. Deposit Returns, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. A government guide.

Going to court

11. 11

    If your landlord owes you $10,000 or less, you can file a small claims case in King County District Court.

    Source:

    1. Deposit Returns, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. A government guide.