Seattle Security Deposit Law: A Renter's Guide
Seattle caps what a landlord can collect at move-in and lets tenants pay the deposit in installments. Return deadlines and penalties come from Washington law.
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Check my deadlineLocal law
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 7.24 (Rental Agreement Regulation)
Washington State law also applies. See the Washington State security deposit guide for the statewide rules.
Which rentals are covered
Residential rentals in the City of Seattle.
How much a landlord can charge
The security deposit and any nonrefundable fees together can't be more than one month's rent. Nonrefundable fees can only be for cleaning and tenant screening, and can't be more than 10% of one month's rent. A pet deposit of up to 25% of one month's rent may be charged on top.
Interest on your deposit
Neither Seattle nor Washington requires interest on security deposits.
Getting your deposit back
The landlord has 30 days after you move out to return the deposit or give a full, specific statement of why any of it was kept, with copies of estimates, invoices, or bills, as under Washington law. Without a signed move-in condition checklist, the landlord can't keep any of it for damage.
Other Seattle rules
- You can pay the deposit and move-in fees in installments, with no fee or interest: six equal monthly payments for a lease of six months or more, four for a lease of 30 days to six months, and two for month-to-month. A pet deposit can be paid in three installments. A landlord can't refuse to rent to you for choosing installments.
- A landlord who charged a cleaning fee at move-in can't charge for cleaning again at move-out.
Penalties
Washington law applies: a landlord who intentionally refuses to return the deposit may owe up to twice the deposit, plus court costs and attorney fees.
Taking your landlord to small claims court
If your landlord won't pay after a written demand, you can sue in small claims court (District Court, small claims department) for up to $10,000 for individuals ($5,000 for businesses). Filing fee: About $35 to $50. Confirm the current fee with the court clerk. More on Washington State small claims.
Seattle security deposit questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Seattle?
The security deposit and any nonrefundable fees together can't be more than one month's rent. Nonrefundable fees can only be for cleaning and tenant screening, and can't be more than 10% of one month's rent. A pet deposit of up to 25% of one month's rent may be charged on top.
Do Seattle landlords have to pay interest on security deposits?
Neither Seattle nor Washington requires interest on security deposits.
How long does a Seattle landlord have to return a security deposit?
The landlord has 30 days after you move out to return the deposit or give a full, specific statement of why any of it was kept, with copies of estimates, invoices, or bills, as under Washington law. Without a signed move-in condition checklist, the landlord can't keep any of it for damage.
What is the penalty if a Seattle landlord keeps a deposit wrongfully?
Washington law applies: a landlord who intentionally refuses to return the deposit may owe up to twice the deposit, plus court costs and attorney fees.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Sources: Renting in Seattle: move-in fees and deposits. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.