Jefferson County, Washington: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Jefferson County District Court - Small Claims in Port Townsend. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $10,000. Washington return time: 30 days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,350. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Jefferson County District Court - Small Claims |
|---|---|
| City | Port Townsend |
| Address | 1820 Jefferson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368-6951 |
| Phone | 360-385-9135 |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (statewide) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 3 years |
| Deposit statute | RCW 59.18.260, RCW 59.18.280 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $10,000 (statewide).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | Termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises (or, if tenant abandons, within 30 days after landlord learns of the abandonment) |
Washington return rule: 30 days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Jefferson County District Court - Small Claims. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Jefferson County.
- The Washington business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Washington Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the Washington filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: private process server; constable or sheriff.
Procedure source (high confidence): The filing fee will be either $35 or $50 depending on whether the county where the case is filed supports a dispute resolution center.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Jefferson County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $659 | $659 | $1,318 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,350 | $1,350 | $2,700 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,583 | $1,583 | $3,166 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $2,205 | $2,205 | $4,410 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Jefferson County compare with other Washington counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,350: rank 11 of 38 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 20.3% of households rent in Jefferson County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Whatcom County | $1,477 |
| Skagit County | $1,408 |
| Jefferson County | $1,350 |
| Benton County | $1,272 |
| Mason County | $1,263 |
| Walla Walla County | $1,235 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 38 of 39 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Jefferson County
- Port Townsend
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Northwest Justice Project: Free legal help for eligible Washington renters facing eviction; phone is the statewide Eviction Defense Screening Line.
- Tenants Union of Washington State: Free tenant-rights education and counseling by trained non-attorney counselors, including landlord-tenant questions and preventing housing loss; not attorney representation.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Jefferson County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County District Court - Small Claims is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.