Security Deposit Demand Letter — Washington (2026)
In WA, a landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280).
Below: the rule with its citation, a free sample letter you can copy, and a generator that fills in your dates and computes your deadline for $19.
- to return the deposit or itemize deductions
- 30 daysto return the deposit or itemize deductions
- damages available for bad-faith retention
- 2×damages available for bad-faith retention
- No statutory cap.
- CapNo statutory cap.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280
Free sample letter
All samplesUse it as-is, or let the generator write it with your amounts and the Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 deadline already computed.
[Your name]
[Your current address]
[Date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [rental address]
Dear [Landlord name],
I vacated [rental address] on [move-out date] and provided a forwarding address. To date I have received neither my security deposit of [$amount] nor an itemized statement of deductions.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280 requires a landlord in Washington to deliver the deposit, or an itemized statement of deductions, within 30 calendar days after the tenancy ends. That period expired on [deadline date].
I request payment of [$amount] within 14 days of the date of this letter, sent to the address above.
If I do not receive it, I intend to file in small claims court. Up to twice the deposit for intentional refusal, plus costs and attorney's fees.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Washington questions
In WA, a landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.280).
Yes. They are calendar days, not business days, and they run from the date the tenancy ended.
Up to twice the deposit for intentional refusal, plus costs and attorney's fees. A dated demand letter sent by certified mail is the evidence a court will expect to see that you asked first.
No statutory cap.
It isn't required, but judges expect it. A dated letter with a certified-mail receipt is the cleanest evidence that you gave the other side a chance to resolve it.
Rule set last curated 2026-08-01. Self-help document service. Not a law firm, and not legal advice. We do not review your letter or represent you. These state rules are under legal review — verify anything you rely on against the current statute.