Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20 § 59.20.160
Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant -- Written rental agreement to specify terms and conditions for retention by landlord.
Operative Text
If any moneys are paid to the landlord by the tenant as a deposit or as security for performance of the tenant's obligations in a written rental agreement, such rental agreement shall include the terms and conditions under which the deposit or portion thereof may be withheld by the landlord upon termination of the rental agreement. If all or part of the deposit may be withheld to indemnify the landlord for damages to the mobile home space for which the tenant is responsible, the rental agreement shall so specify. It is unlawful to charge or collect a deposit or security for performance if the parties have not entered into a written rental agreement.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.160, when a tenant pays a deposit or security amount to a landlord in connection with a mobile home space rental, the written rental agreement must spell out the specific terms and conditions under which the landlord may keep all or part of that deposit after the tenancy ends. If the landlord intends to use the deposit to cover damage to the mobile home space caused by the tenant, that purpose must be explicitly stated in the written agreement. Collecting any deposit without a written rental agreement in place is expressly prohibited by this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of mobile home parks subject to Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.160 generally ensure that every written rental agreement contains clear, specific language describing the circumstances under which a deposit may be withheld — including any damage-related purposes — before collecting any funds from a tenant. Collecting a deposit or security payment without a signed written agreement in place is unlawful under this provision, so compliant operators secure the written agreement first. Reviewing deposit-related lease language for completeness and specificity is a common practice among operators seeking to remain in compliance with § 59.20.160.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.160 gives tenants in mobile home park settings the right to receive a written rental agreement that clearly explains when and why a landlord may retain deposit funds before any deposit is collected. If a landlord collected a deposit without a written agreement, or if the agreement lacks the required terms about deposit retention, that may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe their rights under § 59.20.160 have not been honored can document the situation, consult a tenant-rights organization, or explore filing a complaint with an appropriate state or local authority.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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