Landlord Security Deposit Dispute

Summary

In Washington, landlords can only deduct from security deposits for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Documenting pre-existing damages with photos can be crucial in disputes. You may consider taking this matter to Small Claims Court. The nearest one is King County Small Claims Court, their contact number is (206) 205-9200.

Full Conversation

I am a black woman. All the other people who have lived in my previous house have been men. My landlord is withholding a third of my security deposit to pay for a small, light pink makeup stain the size of a penny. He is using the security deposit to clean the entire carpet. A previous tenant flooded the bathroom and caused significant water damage, and he did not withhold any of their security deposit. Additionally, when we moved in, there were pre-existing, large pink stains on the carpet from a previous tenant.
Did you document the pre-existing stains when you moved in?

In Washington, landlords can only deduct from security deposits for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Yes
What evidence do you have to prove the pre-existing stains?

In Washington, landlords must provide a written checklist detailing any damages at the start of tenancy. If you have this, it could be useful.
Photos
That's great. In Washington, photographic evidence can be very helpful in disputes over security deposits. You may consider taking this matter to Small Claims Court. The nearest one is King County Small Claims Court, their contact number is (*) *-*.