Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20 § 59.20.170

Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant -- Deposit by landlord in trust account -- Receipt -- Claims.

In Force
Verified 10/26/2026 · Next check 11/25/2026
effective 10/7/2026WashingtonSecurity Deposits

Operative Text

Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20 § 59.20.170
(1) For leases or rental agreements entered into on or after May 7, 2025, if a landlord charges a tenant any move-in fees or security deposits, the move-in fees and security deposits combined may not exceed one month's rent, unless the tenant brings any pets into the tenancy, in which case the move-in fees and security deposits combined may not exceed two months' rent. This subsection (1) does not apply to leases or rental agreements entered into before May 7, 2025, even if such leases or rental agreements are renewed on or after May 7, 2025.
(2) All moneys paid to the landlord by the tenant as a deposit as security for performance of the tenant's obligations in a rental agreement shall promptly be deposited by the landlord in a trust account, maintained by the landlord for the purpose of holding such security deposits for tenants of the landlord, in a financial institution as defined by RCW 30A.22.041 or licensed escrow agent located in Washington. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the landlord shall be entitled to receipt of interest paid on such trust account deposits. The landlord shall provide the tenant with a written receipt for the deposit and shall provide written notice of the name and address and location of the depository and any subsequent change thereof. If during a tenancy the status of landlord is transferred to another, any sums in the deposit trust account affected by such transfer shall simultaneously be transferred to an equivalent trust account of the successor landlord, and the successor landlord shall promptly notify the tenant of the transfer and of the name, address and location of the new depository. The tenant's claim to any moneys paid under this section shall be prior to that of any creditor of the landlord, including a trustee in bankruptcy or receiver, even if such moneys are commingled.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Washington's Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act provision at Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.170 establishes two key rules about move-in costs and security deposits. For leases signed on or after May 7, 2025, the combined total of move-in fees and security deposits cannot exceed one month's rent (or two months' rent if the tenant has pets). Separately, any security deposit must be held in a dedicated trust account at a Washington-licensed financial institution or escrow agent, and the tenant must receive written notice of where those funds are held — with the tenant's claim to those funds taking priority over the landlord's creditors if financial trouble arises.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on October 7, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.170, operators entering into new leases on or after May 7, 2025 generally keep the combined total of move-in fees and security deposits at or below one month's rent, or two months' rent when pets are part of the tenancy. Compliant landlords deposit security funds promptly into a dedicated trust account at a qualifying Washington financial institution or licensed escrow agent, then issue the tenant a written receipt and written notice of the depository's name, address, and location. When ownership of a property changes hands, responsible operators simultaneously transfer trust account funds to the successor landlord's equivalent account and promptly notify affected tenants of the new depository details.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.170 gives tenants in leases signed on or after May 7, 2025 a right to have combined move-in fees and security deposits capped at one month's rent (two months' if pets are involved), and a right to receive written confirmation of where their deposit is being held in trust. If a landlord fails to comply — for example, by collecting excess fees or not providing depository notice — tenants may have grounds to raise those violations in a dispute or complaint proceeding. Tenants who believe their rights under § 59.20.170 have been violated can explore options such as contacting a local tenant-rights organization or consulting with a housing attorney to understand available remedies.

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.

Effective Timeline

Current
Oct 7, 2026
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Related Rules

§ R 125.2001
Definitions.
§ 5-12-081
Interest rate on security deposits
§ 5-3-5-1
SECURITY DEPOSITS AND PREPAID RENT

Source Information

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