Washington Security Deposit Interest Calculator & Escrow Rules
$0.00
Under RCW 59.18.270, landlords in Washington are not statutorily required to pay interest on security deposits unless expressly promised in the written lease.
Washington Deposit Interest Laws at a Glance (RCW 59.18.270)
State law does not mandate interest payments; deposit is returned without interest unless specified in lease.
| Statutory Interest Mandate | Not required by state statute (lease controls) |
|---|---|
| Statutory Interest Rate | 0.00% (No statutory requirement) |
| Minimum Tenancy Duration | No minimum tenancy required |
| Escrow Account & Banking Rule | Trust account or financial escrow rules apply, but interest accrued belongs to the landlord unless lease states otherwise. |
| Governing Statute | RCW 59.18.270 ↗ |
Related Washington Rental Compliance Tools
Washington Deposit Return Deadline Calculator
Calculate exact statutory refund dates, holiday rollovers, and bad-faith penalty multipliers.
Late Payment Caps →Washington Rent Late Fee & Grace Period Tool
Check mandatory statutory grace periods, percentage caps, and illegal overcharge remedies.
Key Washington Statutory Nuances & Escrow Case Law
- No Statutory Interest Mandate: Under RCW 59.18.270, residential landlords in Washington are not required to pay interest on security deposits.
- Lease Terms Control: A landlord is only obligated to pay interest if a specific clause in the signed rental agreement expressly promises it.
- Escrow Account Distinction: While state law may regulate where deposit funds are held to prevent commingling, accrued interest is not transferred to the tenant.
Washington Standard Tenancy Deposit Review
$2,000
24 months
$0.00
Under RCW 59.18.270, landlords in Washington are not statutorily required to pay interest on tenant security deposits. On a $2,000 deposit held for 24 months, the statutory interest owed is $0.00 unless the written lease specifically provides otherwise.
Washington Security Deposit Interest FAQs
Does Washington law require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
No. Under RCW 59.18.270, there is no state statutory requirement in Washington for residential landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
Can a tenant in Washington negotiate deposit interest in the lease?
Yes. While state law does not mandate it, landlords and tenants are free to include a contractual interest provision in their written lease agreement.
Does a landlord have to keep my deposit in a separate bank account in Washington?
State escrow laws regulate trust accounting and protect funds from commingling, but any interest generated belongs to the landlord under RCW 59.18.270.
What happens if a Washington lease promises interest but the landlord fails to pay?
If interest is explicitly specified in a signed lease agreement, failure to pay constitutes a breach of contract enforceable in Small Claims Court.