14 Day Period for Security Deposit Return In Lease (fee, carpet, landlords)

[wingtree]

I just posted about some security deposit deductions, but I have another inquiry after looking into it further.

Washington law requires landlords to return security deposits within 21 days of the lease ending, otherwise they must provide the deposit in full without deductions. However, my lease says that the security deposit must be returned in 14 days. Does the lease override the state statute of 21 days? Following a carpet replacement that is already at issue (being charged full replacement fee rather than the prorated amount for wear-and-tear), a big chunk of my deposit has been removed. But am I technically entitled to the full thing because of the 14-day clause in my lease? Probably wont press it if I can get them to agree to lower the cost of the carpet charge, but good to know in the meantime!

[llord]

Does the lease list the full deposit if not returned within the 14 days? If not, then no you would not be entitled to that until they pass the 21 days specified in the law.

[Electrician4you]

Normally state law supersedes a lease.