Understanding Eviction Notices in Washington
Landlords in Washington must provide tenants with an appropriate notice before starting eviction proceedings. The amount of notice must match the reason: missed rent, lease violations, or lease termination.
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Types of Eviction Notices in Washington
Washington has several types of legally required eviction notices, each tailored to the specific cause and the length of the tenant’s stay.
14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, issue a 14-day notice encouraging them to pay or leave the property. Per WA Rev Code § 59.12.030(3) and § 59.18.057, you must deliver this minimum amount of notice before starting eviction proceedings.
14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
Give tenants 14 days to pay rent before they can begin the eviction process in court.
10-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Compliance
Send this notice when a tenant breaches the terms of their lease. Once the tenant receives this notice, they have 10 days to correct the offense or leave the property under WA Rev Code § 59.12.030.
10-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Compliance
Deliver tenants 10 days’ notice for a lease violation before the eviction process can proceed in court.
20-Day Notice Lease Termination
This notice lets you inform a tenant of your intent to end a month-to-month tenancy. Washington law (WA Rev. Code § 59.18.650) mandates at least 20 days’ notice, which is less than the standard 30 days’ notice that other states require.
20-Day Notice Lease Termination
Give tenants 20 days’ notice to move out if they’re on a month-to-month lease.
How to Evict a Tenant in Washington
In Washington, eviction lawsuits are governed by Chapter 59.12 of the Revised Code of Washington.
Step 1 – Post the Eviction Notice
The notice must explain the problem and how long the tenant has to vacate the property.
Step 2 – File a Complaint with the Court
If the tenant doesn’t comply with the terms of the notice, the landlord can file a complaint with the county court. The landlord has to pay the filing fee, but depending on the judgment, the tenant may have to pay it back after a court hearing.
Step 3 – Serve the Tenant
State law doesn’t specify how long the landlord has to serve notice, but the landlord must do it before the hearing.
The tenant has between seven and 30 days to respond to the complaint. The court will set a hearing date once it knows the tenant’s answer to the complaint. If there is no answer, the court will favor the landlord.
Step 4 – Attend the Hearing
The court will hold a hearing and issue a judgment at this point. The landlord will win the case if the tenant doesn’t appear in court.
Step 5 – Receive and Use a Writ of Restitution
If the court grants the eviction, the landlord is given a Writ of Restitution. This document allows the Sheriff to forcibly remove the tenant from the property if they still don’t vacate the premises within the given timeframe.
Related Court Forms
The official Washington Courts website lists the individual Superior Courts by county. Contact the court in the location where your property is located to request the necessary eviction-related forms.
