A Washington eviction notice is a document for landlords initiating tenant eviction procedures. This notice explains the tenant’s breach of the lease and describes how they can remedy the problem. The landlord can go to their local Superior Court to file an unlawful detainer action if the tenant doesn’t comply with the notice.
By Type
14-Day Eviction Notice for Nonpayment
Give tenants 14 days to pay rent before they can begin the eviction process in court.
10-Day Eviction Notice for Noncompliance
Deliver tenants 10 days’ notice before the eviction process can proceed in court.
20-Day Notice Lease Termination
Give tenants 20 days’ notice to move out if they’re on a month-to-month lease.
Eviction Laws & Requirements
- Residential Landlord-Tenant Act: Chapter 59.18 Revised Code of Washington.
- Landlord Duties: RCW 59.18.060.
- Tenant Duties: RCW 59.18.130.
- Late or Non-Rent Payment Notice: 14 days (RCW 59.12.030(3)).
- Notice of Non-Compliance: 10 days (RCW 59.12.030(4)).
- Lease Termination (Month-to-Month): 20 days (RCW 59.18.200(1)(a)).
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.
