WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

59.20.170 - Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant -- Deposit by landlord in trust account -- Receipt -- Claims.

Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant — Deposit by landlord in trust account — Receipt — Claims.

(1) All moneys paid to the landlord by the tenant as a deposit as security for performance of the tenant's obligations in a rental agreement shall promptly be deposited by the landlord in a trust account, maintained by the landlord for the purpose of holding such security deposits for tenants of the landlord, in a financial institution as defined by RCW 30.22.041 or licensed escrow agent located in Washington. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, unless otherwise agreed in writing, the landlord shall be entitled to receipt of interest paid on such trust account deposits. The landlord shall provide the tenant with a written receipt for the deposit and shall provide written notice of the name and address and location of the depository and any subsequent change thereof. If during a tenancy the status of landlord is transferred to another, any sums in the deposit trust account affected by such transfer shall simultaneously be transferred to an equivalent trust account of the successor landlord, and the successor landlord shall promptly notify the tenant of the transfer and of the name, address and location of the new depository. The tenant's claim to any moneys paid under this section shall be prior to that of any creditor of the landlord, including a trustee in bankruptcy or receiver, even if such moneys are commingled.

(2) All moneys paid, in excess of two months' rent on the mobile home lot, to the landlord by the tenant as a deposit as security for performance of the tenant's obligations in a rental agreement shall be deposited into an interest-bearing trust account for the particular tenant. The interest accruing on the deposit in the account, minus fees charged to administer the account, shall be paid to the tenant on an annual basis. All other provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall apply to deposits under this subsection.

[2004 c 136 § 2; 1999 c 359 § 15; 1979 ex.s. c 186 § 12.]

Notes: Severability -- 1979 ex.s. c 186: See note following RCW 59.20.030.