Washington Eviction Notice Overview
Washington Changed from 3-Day to 14-Day in 2021
Washington State replaced its 3-day non-payment notice with a 14-day notice effective 2021 (RCW §59.18.057). Landlords who still use 3-day notices will have their cases dismissed. The law also requires offering a payment plan and providing rental assistance information.
Washington State dramatically changed its eviction laws in 2021 with the passage of SB 5160. The old 3-day notice for non-payment was replaced with a 14-day notice under RCW §59.18.057. This was the single biggest change: what was once one of the shortest notice periods in the country became one of the longest. A 3-day notice for non-payment is no longer valid in Washington.
Washington evictions are filed in district court or superior court. King County (Seattle), Pierce County (Tacoma), and Snohomish County see the highest volumes. Seattle has additional local protections including a Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Washington now requires landlords to provide information about rental assistance programs and offer payment plans before filing for eviction.
14 Days
Non-payment notice
$45-$250
Filing fees
Written
Notice required
3-8 wks
Court process
Washington Legal Requirements
Washington's 14-day notice has extensive requirements beyond just stating the rent amount. The 2021 law added mandatory disclosures about tenant rights and available resources.
Required Notice Elements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing per RCW §59.18.057
- 14-Day Period: 14 days from service to pay or vacate
- Rent Amount: Exact past-due rent amount
- Payment Plan Offer: Must offer a reasonable payment plan
- Rental Assistance Info: Must include information about available rental assistance programs
- Tenant Rights: Must include information about tenant's legal rights
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Washington
Washington permits personal delivery, posting and mailing, and other methods under RCW §59.12.040. Seattle has additional service requirements for its just-cause ordinance.
Prepare the 14-Day Notice
Include all required elements including payment plan offer and rental assistance information. Washington's notice requirements are extensive.
Offer a Payment Plan
Washington requires landlords to offer a reasonable payment plan before proceeding with eviction. Document the offer.
Serve the Notice
Personal delivery, posting on the door and mailing, or other approved methods.
Wait the Full 14 Days
Allow the complete 14-day period. Do not file early.
File Unlawful Detainer
If the tenant does not pay, accept the payment plan, or vacate, file in district or superior court.
Washington Eviction Timeline
After the 14-day notice expires, the landlord files an unlawful detainer action. Washington courts schedule a show-cause hearing within 7-14 days. The tenant can contest the eviction at this hearing.
King County (Seattle) cases may take longer due to volume and the availability of tenant legal services. The state's Right to Counsel program provides free attorneys to qualifying tenants, which can slow the process.
After judgment, a writ of restitution is issued. The sheriff enforces it, typically giving 3-5 days notice. Total time: 5-10 weeks (uncontested) or 2-5 months (contested). Seattle cases are often on the longer end.
Washington Court Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Washington. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District/Superior Court Filing | $45 - $250 |
| Service of Summons | $30 - $75 |
| Writ of Restitution | $25 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $750 - $3,000 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $75 - $200 |
Sample Washington Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of the Washington-compliant eviction notice.
14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Pursuant to RCW §59.18.057
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Washington Property Address]
RENT DEMAND:
Past-due rent: $[Amount]
Period: [Month/Year]
NOTICE
You have FOURTEEN (14) DAYS from service to pay the full past-due rent of $[Amount] for [Month/Year] or vacate. A reasonable payment plan is available. For rental assistance, contact [resource information]. You have the right to legal counsel.