![]() ![]() If the landlord does not either return the deposit or give documentation showing why they kept it, the tenant can sue the landlord for the full amount of the deposit, court costs, and attorneys' fees. Landlords must return the deposit or provide a written statement with documentation (receipts or invoices) showing why they kept the amount of money that they did within 30 days of the tenant leaving the property. ![]() If, within 30 days of moving out, a landlord does not give written documentation of how much repairs or cleaning cost, then they cannot keep any of the security deposit. If the landlord or landlord's employee makes the repairs, the landlord must give a statement showing how many hours the repairs took, along with the reasonable hourly rate that was charged. They can provide receipts, bills, or invoices that show how much supplies or services cost.Įxample: Landlords cannot just give a statement that says "Painting walls: cost $400" or "Carpet cleaning cost $500" without also providing some documentation showing exactly how they calculated that cost. Landlords must now provide evidence to the tenant of how much it cost to repair or clean the rental unit, appliances, carpet, and walls. Landlords must now provide receipts or invoices showing how much repairs or cleaning cost, along with statements showing why they are keeping some or all of a security deposit. Previously, landlords had 21 days after the tenant moved out to return the deposit or give a statement about why they were not returning the deposit. Landlords now have 30 days to return security deposits or give a statement about why they are keeping some or all of the deposit money. The new definition of "wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises" can be found at RCW 59.18.030(39). Landlords may keep deposit money if the damage to the rental unit, appliances, carpet, or walls, happens because the renter (or another occupant or guest) was negligent, careless, or intentionally abused the place or the furnishings. Landlords cannot keep deposits to replace or clean the carpet just because it has worn down over time as expected. Landlords cannot keep a security deposit to repair or clean the rental unit, appliances, furniture, carpet, or wall paint if the wear, deterioration, or breakage happens because of "ordinary use of the premises."įor example, carpet may break down or become soiled over time because people walk upon it while living in a rental unit. Landlords cannot keep security deposit money for "wear resulting from ordinary use of the premises." You can read the law about this at RCW 59.18.260. If the landlord collects a deposit but does not provide this written statement, the tenant may sue for the amount of the deposit, plus costs and attorneys' fees. ![]() The tenant can ask for one free replacement of the written statement after they move in. Starting July 23, 2023, the statement must also specifically describe the condition and cleanliness of:īoth the landlord and tenant must sign and date the checklist or statement and the landlord must give a copy to the tenant. Landlords who want to collect a security deposit must first give the tenant a written statement or checklist that describes how clean the rental unit is and also describe any existing damage to the place. Landlords must give tenants a written checklist or statement specifically describing the condition and cleanliness of a rental unit before collecting a security deposit. ![]()
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