Can I sue for a landlord keeping my deposit in Washington?

Which law covers security deposits in Washington?

governing statute

RCW 59.18.280

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

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

deadline

30 days

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 23 of the 47 states written up answer this the same way as Washington. The shortest is 14 days, as in Alaska; the longest is 60 days, as in Alabama. Compare every state →

What is the penalty if a landlord keeps your deposit in Washington?

penalty

The full amount of the deposit, and the landlord is barred from asserting any claim to it at all. The court may award up to twice the deposit for an intentional refusal. The prevailing party gets costs and reasonable attorneys' fees either way.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Which court hears a case like this in Washington?

which court

District Court, small claims department

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

How much can you sue for in Washington small claims court?

small claims limit

$10,000

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

exceptions: $5,000 where the person bringing the claim is not a natural person.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

What else should you know in Washington?

also

The statement must come with copies of the estimates or invoices, and an hourly rate where the landlord did the work. No deduction is allowed for carpet cleaning unless the landlord documents wear beyond ordinary use.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.