Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Re: Rental Agreements

They have 14 days after you move out to advise you of their decision regarding your deposit.

Look at your contract (you do have one?). It will say whether you paid a damage deposit or a security deposit.

A damage deposit is usually interpreted as being related to physical damage to the premises- stains on the carpet, dinged up doors, that sort of thing.

A security deposit, on the other hand, is interpreted as securing all your obligations, such as the obligation to stay for the entire lease term. You could have forfieted a security deposit by leaving.

However, they still have to write you and alert you of their plans or intentions.

If they are withholding funds for damage, it has to be based on invoices or bills for repair, not just made up. And the damage has to be something more than normal wear and tear. They cannot just charge you a "painting fee" based on the length of time you were there (although they will try). And they cannot charge you for normal cleaning.

They also get confused between your obligation to clean up after yourself and their need to turn the apartment. They cannot charge you for burned out light bulbs.

Review RCW 59 18 260, 270 and especially 280.

If they do not bother to contact you about that deposit, there are some remedies that apply for you.

Don't hesitate to call if you need more help with this, and don't write your landlord to 'remind' them. Let them do their job - or not.

Hope this helps. Powell