Seattle move-out cleaning fees and your deposit

State law on cleaning fees

A tenant may not be charged for normal cleaning if they already paid a nonrefundable cleaning fee. (RCW 59.18.130)

If a landlord refuses on purpose to give the deposit statement, the documents or the refund due, a court may award up to twice the deposit, unless the delay was beyond the landlord's control or the unit was abandoned under RCW 59.18.310. (RCW 59.18.280)

Seattle's deposit return rules

• Within 30 days after the rental ends, the landlord must return the deposit or give a written statement that explains in detail why any part is kept. (City of Seattle)
• Without a move-in checklist signed by both the landlord and the tenant, the landlord must return the full deposit. (City of Seattle)

Seattle move-in fee caps

• Non-refundable fees may be charged only for cleaning and screening, and they may not exceed 10 percent of one month's rent. (City of Seattle)
• A landlord who charged for cleaning at the start may not charge for cleaning again at the end. (City of Seattle)
• The security deposit and fees together may not exceed one month's rent. (City of Seattle)

Questions before you hire a move-out cleaner

1. Did I already pay a nonrefundable cleaning fee at move-in?
2. Does my lease or move-in checklist describe the unit's condition?
3. Will the cleaner give me an invoice I can hand to the landlord?

Next

See how to hire a house cleaner and questions to ask a house cleaner.