Are landlords allowed to require tenants to pay a security deposit in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

Yes, landlords are allowed to require tenants to pay a security deposit in accordance with Fair Housing Law in Washington. The landlord may collect a security deposit, a damage deposit, and/or a pet deposit. The maximum amount that a landlord can collect is the equivalent of one month’s rent, unless the lease or rental agreement provides otherwise. The landlord must also provide the tenant with a written statement of the current balance of the security deposit account. The security deposit must be held in a trust account in an insured financial institution, such as a bank, in the state of Washington. The landlord must give the tenant the name and address of the financial institution where the security deposit is held, and the account number. Furthermore, all landlords must provide a copy of a "Notice of Tenant Rights" to the tenant upon receipt of a security deposit, which explains the tenant’s rights and obligations to the security deposit. Finally, a landlord in Washington can only use the security deposit to cover damages, unpaid rent, and other unpaid charges due under the lease or rental agreement. The landlord must return the remainder of the deposit within 14 days of the tenant vacating the rental unit.

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