Can a Washington landlord charge for cleaning from the deposit?
Yes, but only beyond normal cleaning. A unit returned in roughly move-in condition (vacuumed, surfaces wiped, trash out, no abnormal odors) cannot be charged for routine cleaning. A unit with smoke or pet odor, food in the appliances, or grime requiring deep cleaning beyond a typical end-of-tenancy clean is fairly charged. The deduction must be itemized with the cleaning vendor's invoice or a documented hourly rate if the landlord did the work. Up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees under RCW 59.18.280(2). A non-refundable cleaning fee separate from the deposit is treated differently and may be allowed by lease in many states.
Source: RCW 59.18.280
This is an informational answer based on RCW 59.18.280 as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Washington-licensed attorney.