Washington· Answer
What is the penalty for not returning a deposit in Washington?
Short answer
Up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees under RCW 59.18.280(2). The penalty is in addition to the wrongfully withheld deposit itself. Washington courts routinely hear deposit disputes in small-claims court, where landlords who missed the 30-day deadline without written explanation face a presumption of bad faith.
Source: RCW 59.18.280
Honest limits
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.
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