Washington Eviction Notice Overview
Washington changed to a 14-day notice for non-payment in 2021 under RCW §59.18.057. Before 2021, Washington used a 3-day notice. The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW Chapter 59.18) governs evictions. Washington requires just cause for eviction and has comprehensive tenant protections. Cases are filed in Superior Court or District Court.
King County (Seattle), Pierce County (Tacoma), Snohomish County (Everett), and Clark County (Vancouver) handle the highest volumes. Seattle has additional protections including the Fair Chance Housing Ordinance and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Washington’s eviction process was significantly reformed by SB 5160 (2021) and the Tenant Protection Act.
14 Days
Cure period
$45–$200
Superior/District Court
Written
Notice required
5–10 Wks
Total process
Washington’s 14-Day Notice (Post-2021 Reform)
Under RCW §59.18.057 (as amended by SB 5160 in 2021), landlords must give 14 days’ notice for non-payment of rent. The tenant can cure by paying in full within 14 days. For lease violations, a 10-day notice to comply or vacate is required under RCW §59.12.030. Washington also requires just cause for all evictions after the first year of tenancy.
Washington Notice Periods
14-day notice: Non-payment of rent (RCW §59.18.057)
10-day notice: Lease violations (RCW §59.12.030)
3-day notice: Waste, nuisance, or criminal activity (RCW §59.12.030(3))
Just cause required: After first year of tenancy (RCW §59.18.650)
Seattle: Additional local protections including Just Cause Ordinance
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Washington
- Non-payment of rent (14-day notice)
- Unauthorized occupants or pets (10-day notice)
- Noise or disturbances
- Property damage
- Failure to maintain
- Operating businesses without permission
Washington Legal Requirements
Washington courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Required under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
- 14 or 10 Days: 14 for non-payment, 10 for lease violations
- Amount Owed/Violation: Specify exact rent owed or describe violation
- Rental Assistance Info: Must include information about available rental assistance programs (post-SB 5160)
- Just Cause Compliance: Must cite the specific just-cause ground
Serving the Notice in Washington
Proper service is critical in Washington. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand to tenant.
Post and Mail
Post on door and mail via first-class and certified mail.
Certified Mail
Via certified mail.
Washington Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Washington, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Washington Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Washington. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior/District Court Filing | $45 – $200 |
| Sheriff Service | $40 – $75 |
| Writ of Restitution | $35 – $60 |
| Sheriff Execution | $75 – $150 |
| Attorney Fees | $1,000 – $3,500 |
Sample Washington Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Washington-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under WA law.
14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Pursuant to RCW §59.18.057
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Washington Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You owe rent in the amount of $____. You must pay in full within fourteen (14) days or vacate. Rental assistance may be available—contact 211 or visit wa211.org.