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SECURITY
DEPOSIT: When a new tenant moves in, the landlord often collects
money to cover such things as cleaning or damage. The money collected
may be refundable or nonrefundable.
The landlord has 14 days
after a tenant moves out to return a deposit, or give a written
explanation of why it (or any part of it) was not refunded.
If a landlord does not comply, the full amount of the deposit
must be refunded to the tenant, regardless of any claims by
the landlord that the tenant is not entitled to a refund.
Refundable Deposits
Under the State of Washington
Landlord-Tenant Act, the term "deposit" can only be
applied to money which can be refunded to the tenant.
If a refundable deposit is being
charged, the law requires:
- The rental agreement must
be in writing. It must say what each deposit is for and what
the tenant must do in order to get the money back.
- The tenant must be given a
written receipt for each deposit.
- A checklist or statement describing
the condition of the rental unit must be filled out. Landlord
and tenant must sign it, and the tenant must be given a signed
copy.
- See Rentlaw.com for our Move-In
Move-out Check List
- The deposits must be placed
in a trust account in a bank or escrow company. The tenant
must be informed in writing where the deposits are being kept.
Unless some other agreement has been made in writing, any
interest earned by the deposit belongs to the landlord.
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