Wash. Rev. Code § 59.24 § 59.24.010
Legislative findings.
Operative Text
The legislature finds that one of the most difficult problems that temporarily homeless persons or families face in seeking permanent housing is the necessity of paying a security deposit in addition to paying the first month's rent. The security deposit requirement is often impossible for the temporarily homeless person or family to meet because their savings are depleted due, for example, to purchasing temporary shelter in a motel when space at an emergency shelter was not available. A program to guarantee the security deposit for the temporarily homeless person or family will help the poor in this state achieve adequate permanent shelter.
Washington's Wash. Rev. Code § 59.24.010 et seq. opens with a legislative finding that temporarily homeless individuals and families face a particular barrier to securing permanent housing: the combined upfront cost of a security deposit and first month's rent. The legislature recognized that savings are often exhausted by the cost of temporary shelter, such as motel stays when emergency shelter is unavailable. To address this, the provision establishes the policy basis for a state program designed to guarantee security deposits on behalf of qualifying temporarily homeless persons and families.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.24.010 et seq., Washington has established a legislative framework supporting security deposit guarantee programs for temporarily homeless applicants. Landlords operating in Washington should be aware that prospective tenants may present a state-backed deposit guarantee in lieu of a traditional cash security deposit. Operators who understand this program's policy foundation are generally better positioned to work with program administrators and qualifying applicants during the leasing process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.24.010 et seq. reflects Washington's recognition that upfront housing costs—particularly security deposits—can be an insurmountable barrier for people who have recently experienced temporary homelessness. This provision forms the legal foundation for a state program that may help qualifying individuals and families secure a deposit guarantee rather than paying cash out of pocket. Tenants who believe they may qualify can explore this program through local housing assistance organizations or Washington's social services agencies, and may also consult a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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