What is the security deposit limit in Washington state?

Washington has no statutory cap on security deposits.

How much notice must a Washington landlord give before entering?

Washington requires 2 days (48 hours) advance notice before entry, except in emergencies.

Does Washington have rent control?

Washington enacted a statewide rent cap in 2025: after the first 12 months, annual rent increases are limited to the lesser of 10% or 7% plus regional CPI (RCW 59.18.700; HB 1217, effective May 7, 2025), subject to exemptions such as newer buildings. Some cities add further protections.

How long does a Washington landlord have to return a security deposit?

30 days from move-out with an itemized list of deductions. Washington's deadline was extended from 21 to 30 days by HB 1074 (2023), effective July 23, 2023, amending RCW 59.18.280.

What are Seattle's unique tenant protections?

Seattle has enacted strong local protections including just cause eviction requirements, tenant relocation assistance for certain displacement situations, and limitations on move-in fees. These apply within Seattle city limits and don't extend statewide.

Washington Tenant Rights & Lease Laws

Security Deposit Rules

Maximum Deposit No state cap

Return Deadline 30 days after move-out (HB 1074, 2023)

Interest Required No

Notice Requirements

Landlord Entry Notice 2 days

Lease Termination Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days

Rent Increase Notice 30 days

Washington commercial leases with aggressive holdover and restoration provisions — common in South Lake Union tech-adjacent buildings. Seattle residential leases attempting to limit just cause protections — often unenforceable. Auto-renewal clauses in a market where rents have risen significantly.

Rent Control

Rent Control: Statewide cap (2025, HB 1217)

Habitability & Repair Requirements

Washington landlords are required to maintain rental units in habitable condition. Washington is strongly tenant-protective for residential tenants, with extensive just cause eviction protections, deposit rules, and notice requirements. Seattle has additional local protections. Commercial tenants operate under a much weaker framework.

Eviction Process

Seattle is one of the most expensive markets on the West Coast — 1BR averages $2,200–3,000/month in desirable neighborhoods. Bellevue and the Eastside command even higher rents near Microsoft and Amazon campuses. Commercial markets in South Lake Union are tech-driven and landlord-dominated. Tacoma and Olympia are more affordable and more tenant-favorable in practice.

Tenant Protections & Notable Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security deposit limit in Washington state?: Washington has no statutory cap on security deposits.
How much notice must a Washington landlord give before entering?: Washington requires 2 days (48 hours) advance notice before entry, except in emergencies.
Does Washington have rent control?: Washington enacted a statewide rent cap in 2025: after the first 12 months, annual rent increases are limited to the lesser of 10% or 7% plus regional CPI (RCW 59.18.700; HB 1217, effective May 7, 2025), subject to exemptions such as newer buildings. Some cities add further protections. (Verified June 2026.)
How long does a Washington landlord have to return a security deposit?: 30 days from move-out with an itemized list of deductions. Washington's deadline was extended from 21 to 30 days by HB 1074 (2023), effective July 23, 2023, amending RCW 59.18.280. (Verified June 2026.)
What are Seattle's unique tenant protections?: Seattle has enacted strong local protections including just cause eviction requirements, tenant relocation assistance for certain displacement situations, and limitations on move-in fees. These apply within Seattle city limits and don't extend statewide.

Cities in Washington

Find city-specific lease guides for major markets in Washington: