Lynnwood, WA Security Deposit Laws 2026
Washington limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In Lynnwood, that's $5,002 at the median 2BR rent of $2,501/month. Miss the 21-day return deadline and you could owe $5,002+.
In Washington, landlords must return security deposits within 21 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $5,002 or more.
This applies to properties in Lynnwood, WA. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Lynnwood Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $5,002 at Lynnwood's median rent
- Return deadline: 21 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($5,002)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Lynnwood
Under Washington law, landlords in Lynnwood may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At Lynnwood's median 2-bedroom rent of $2,501/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $5,002.
$5,002
max deposit (2mo × $2,501)
21 days
return deadline
$5,002
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 21-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Lynnwood rental, Washington law gives you exactly 21 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in Lynnwood:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Washington security deposit laws rules in Lynnwood and you could owe $5,002+. At Lynnwood's median rent of $2,501/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Lynnwood Rental Market Context
Lynnwood is the 28th-largest city in Washington (population 43,867). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $2,501/month, it falls in the premium range for Washington rental costs — 82% above the state median of $1,374/month.
How Lynnwood Compares in Snohomish County
Lynnwood ranks #4 of 18 cities in Snohomish County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everett | 111,180 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Marysville | 72,916 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Bothell | 50,213 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Lynnwood | 43,867 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Edmonds | 42,701 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Lake Stevens | 40,521 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Mountlake Terrace | 21,516 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Arlington | 21,206 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Mukilteo | 21,011 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Mill Creek | 20,742 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Monroe | 19,447 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Snohomish | 10,243 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Stanwood | 9,016 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Sultan | 6,766 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
| Granite Falls | 4,829 | $2,501/mo | $5,002 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Snohomish County, Washington. All cities follow Washington state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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How Lynnwood Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Lynnwood landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Lynnwood) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,074/mo | $4,148 | $8,296 |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,146/mo | $4,292 | $8,584 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,501/mo | $5,002 | $10,004 |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,272/mo | $6,544 | $13,088 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Snohomish County.
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More Lynnwood Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
