Do this today
- Photograph the empty unit and the keys as you return them.
- Give a forwarding address in writing.
- Keep the lease, the deduction list, and proof of mailing.
- Open the Washington deposit chapter before you treat a blog as the clock.
Who sets the deposit rule in Seattle?
Usually Washington — Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Some cities add their own itemization or holding rules. Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter. This desk names the chapter. It does not reprint a cap or a day-count.
What evidence actually matters?
Move-in and move-out photos with dates, the lease, the forwarding address you gave, proof you returned the keys, and any deduction list. A text argument without photos is a weak file.
What does Seattle add on top of Washington law?
The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city.
The Seattle layer
Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter.
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Wash. Rev. Code §§ 59.18.010 to 59.18.912) is the Washington floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Seattle questions
How do I get my security deposit back in Seattle?
Photograph the unit, return the keys as the lease requires, and give a forwarding address in writing. The clock and the cap live mainly in Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter.
Does Seattle set its own deposit deadline?
Sometimes a city adds a rule; often it does not. Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter. Confirm with Renting in Seattle and the Washington chapter. We do not invent a day-count.
What does Seattle add on top of Washington law?
The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city.
What number should I call in Seattle?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Renting in Seattle does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org