Washington Eviction Notice Overview
Washington does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Since 2021 (SB 5160), landlords must give a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent under RCW 59.12.030(3). This was increased from the previous 3-day period. Washington has strong tenant protections under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) and the Unlawful Detainer Act (RCW 59.12).
Washington's eviction reforms (SB 5160, 2021) dramatically changed the process. Landlords must now offer payment plans, provide 14 days notice, and participate in mediation in some circumstances. Eviction cases are filed in Superior Court or District Court. Washington has 39 counties. King County (Seattle), Pierce County (Tacoma), and Snohomish County (Everett) handle the highest volumes. Seattle has additional local protections including just-cause eviction requirements.
14 Days
Notice period
$45 - $240
Filing fee
WA Code
Governing law
Superior/District
Court level
Why Washington Uses 14 Days, Not 7
Washington Changed to 14 Days in 2021
SB 5160 (2021) increased Washington's non-payment notice from 3 days to 14 days. Landlords must also offer a reasonable payment plan before filing eviction. Washington is now one of the most tenant-protective states in the country. A 7-day notice would be insufficient.
Washington Notice Periods at a Glance
- 14-Day Notice — Non-Payment (RCW 59.12.030(3)): Tenant has 14 days to pay or enter a payment plan (since 2021)
- 10-Day Notice — Lease Violations (RCW 59.12.030(4)): Tenant has 10 days to cure material noncompliance
- 60-Day Notice — No-Cause (RCW 59.18.200): 60 days for no-cause termination of month-to-month (120 days in Seattle)
- 3-Day Notice — Waste/Nuisance: 3 days for waste, nuisance, or illegal activity
Washington Notice Requirements
Washington courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 14 days for non-payment as required by Washington law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Washington
Washington law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant.
Posting on Premises
Post on the door and mail a copy.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service. Washington courts strictly review service documentation.
Washington Eviction Timeline
The Washington eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 14-day notice per RCW 59.12.030(3) (must include payment plan offer)
If not cured, file unlawful detainer in Superior or District Court
Show cause hearing set within 7-14 days
Trial held; judgment entered
Writ of restitution issued; sheriff enforces removal
Washington evictions take 6-10 weeks uncontested since 2021 reforms. Contested cases take 10-20 weeks. King County (Seattle) has the longest timelines. SB 5160 added significant time compared to pre-2021 procedures. Mandatory mediation may apply.
Washington Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Washington Superior Court or District Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior Court Filing Fee | $200 - $240 |
| District Court Filing Fee | $45 - $55 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $75 |
| Writ of Restitution | $50 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $1,000 - $4,000 |
Sample Washington Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Washington-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of RCW 59.12.030(3).
14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Pursuant to RCW 59.12.030(3)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have FOURTEEN (14) DAYS to pay $[Amount] in full, enter a payment plan, or vacate. [Must include payment plan offer per SB 5160]
WASHINGTON COMPLIANCE NOTE
Washington requires 14 days for non-payment since 2021 (RCW 59.12.030(3)). The notice must include an offer of a reasonable payment plan. Not 7 days.