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Get your security deposit back in Washington

Your landlord must act within 30 days after termination and vacation of the premises under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280. If they missed it, a statute-cited demand letter is the fastest first move.

30 days
to return or itemize
2×
potential damages on wrongful withholding
$29
letter + certified mail, one-time
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One flat fee. No subscription. Not a law firm.

What Washington law says

Deadline to return / itemizewithin 30 days after termination and vacation of the premises
StatuteWash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 — read the official text
Itemized deduction statementRequired if any portion is withheld
Exposure for wrongful withholdingIntentional refusal to comply can make the landlord liable for up to twice the deposit, plus fees; deductions are forfeited without a timely itemized statement.
Worth knowing2023 amendments tightened documentation requirements for deductions (verify current text).

This is general legal information about Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280, not legal advice about your situation. Statutes contain conditions and exceptions, and legislatures amend them — always check the official text linked above.

What that can mean in dollars

Example: $1,500 deposit wrongfully withheld in full → exposure of up to $3,000 plus attorney’s fees.

Most landlords understand this math, which is why a letter that cites Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 and states the deadline they missed is often enough to get a check without going to court.

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How your Washington letter works

1. Answer a few questions

Your deposit amount, move-out date, landlord's address, and what happened. About 3 minutes.

2. We prepare the letter

A formal demand letter citing Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280, the 30-day deadline, and the remedies the statute provides.

3. We mail it certified

Printed and sent by USPS Certified Mail with tracking — your proof of delivery if this ends up in small claims court.

Start my letter — $29

Washington deposit questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Washington?
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280, the landlord generally must act within 30 days after termination and vacation of the premises. If the landlord keeps any portion, an itemized written statement of deductions is required. This is general legal information — the statute contains conditions and exceptions.
What happens if my landlord misses the Washington deadline?
Intentional refusal to comply can make the landlord liable for up to twice the deposit, plus fees; deductions are forfeited without a timely itemized statement. A written demand letter that cites Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 puts the landlord on notice that you know the deadline has passed and what the statute allows you to pursue.
Do I need a lawyer to send a demand letter in Washington?
No. A demand letter is something any tenant can send on their own behalf. Our service prepares the letter from the facts you provide and the current text of Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280, and mails it by USPS Certified Mail so you have proof of delivery. If your dispute is complex or high-value, talking to a licensed Washington attorney is a sensible next step — many take deposit cases because several statutes shift attorney's fees to the landlord.