Washington Eviction Notice

Types of Washington Eviction Notices

In Washington, the type of eviction notice depends on the reason for the eviction. Moreover, understanding these distinctions helps landlords choose the appropriate legal approach for their specific situation.

Emergency Notices (Immediate Action)

5. Immediate Notice to Vacate

Grounds: Illegal activities on the premises (e.g., violent crimes). Therefore, this notice addresses the most serious violations that pose immediate threats. Details: The tenant must vacate immediately or on the next judicial day if served on a weekend or holiday. Consequently, this notice type requires the fastest tenant response due to safety concerns.

Short-Term Notices (3-10 Days)

4. 3-Day Notice to Vacate

Grounds: Incurable lease violations (e.g., deliberate destruction of property). Additionally, these serious violations cannot be corrected through tenant action. Details: The tenant must vacate within 3 judicial days. Therefore, this brief timeframe reflects the severity of the violations.

2. 10-Day Notice to Comply or Vacate

Grounds: Lease violations that are curable (e.g., health/safety violations). Furthermore, this notice provides tenants with an opportunity to remedy correctable violations. Details: The tenant must correct the violation or vacate within 10 days. However, this notice type allows for corrective action before requiring departure.

Standard Notices (14-30 Days)

1. 14-Day Notice to Quit

Grounds: Non-payment of rent. Therefore, this notice addresses the most common eviction scenario in rental properties. Details: The tenant must pay all past due rent or vacate within 14 days. Additionally, landlords can issue this notice the day after rent becomes due, with no grace period.

6. 20-Day Notice to Quit

Grounds: Unwanted sexual advances or other specified reasons. Moreover, this notice type addresses serious behavioral violations that affect other residents. Details: The tenant must vacate within 20 days. Consequently, this timeframe balances tenant rights with the need to address serious misconduct.

3. 30-Day Notice to Comply or Vacate

Grounds: Curable lease violations requiring monetary compensation. Furthermore, this notice covers violations that involve financial remedies. Details: The tenant must correct the situation or pay for damages within 30 days. Therefore, this extended period allows time for both correction and payment arrangements.

7. 30-Day Notice to Quit

Grounds: Overstaying the lease or falsifying rental application information. Additionally, these violations involve deception or unauthorized occupancy. Details: The tenant must vacate within 30 days. However, this provides adequate time for tenants to find alternative housing.

Long-Term Notices (60 Days)

8. 60-Day Notice to Quit

Grounds: Failing to disclose or register as a sex offender. Moreover, this violation involves serious legal compliance issues. Details: The tenant must vacate within 60 days. Therefore, this extended period recognizes the complexity of finding alternative housing in these circumstances.

9. 60-Day Notice of Termination

Grounds: Multiple lease violations within a 12-month period. Furthermore, this notice addresses patterns of repeated noncompliance. Details: The tenant must vacate within 60 days after receiving the notice. Consequently, this extended timeframe reflects the cumulative nature of multiple violations.

Legal Grounds for Eviction

Landlords in Washington may evict tenants for various reasons, each requiring specific notice procedures. Additionally, understanding these grounds helps ensure proper legal compliance throughout the eviction process.

Common Eviction Grounds

Rent-Related Issues

Non-payment of rent: Requires 14 days’ notice. Therefore, this addresses the most frequent cause of eviction proceedings.

Lease Compliance Issues

Lease violations: Requires 10 days’ notice. Furthermore, these violations can range from minor infractions to serious breaches.

Criminal Activity

Illegal activities: Requires 3 days’ notice. Moreover, this ground allows landlords to address criminal behavior that threatens property safety.

Tenancy Termination

Termination of a month-to-month lease: Requires 20 days’ notice. Additionally, this provides a clear path for concluding rental relationships.

Serving an Eviction Notice

Landlords may deliver eviction notices using several approved methods. Furthermore, proper service ensures that tenants receive adequate legal notice of the proceedings.

Primary Service Methods

Direct Service

Hand Delivery: Directly to the tenant. Therefore, this method provides immediate confirmation of service.

Substitute Service

Substitute Service: If the tenant is unavailable, deliver to a person of suitable age at the premises and mail a copy. However, this person must be capable of understanding the notice’s importance.

Alternative Service Methods

Posting Method

Posting: If hand delivery is not possible, post the notice in a conspicuous place on the premises and mail a copy. Consequently, this method ensures tenant notification when other methods are unsuccessful.

Electronic Service

Electronic Service: Only if previously consented to in writing by the tenant. Moreover, this modern method requires explicit tenant agreement to be legally valid.

Eviction Process Steps

The Washington eviction process involves several sequential steps that landlords must follow precisely. Additionally, each step builds upon the previous one to create a comprehensive legal framework.

Initial Notice Phase

Step 1: Provide Notice

The landlord must serve the appropriate eviction notice to the tenant. Furthermore, this initial step establishes the legal foundation for potential court proceedings.

Court Filing Phase

Step 2: File a Complaint

If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer action in the local Superior Court. Subsequently, this formal legal action begins the court process.

Step 3: Serve the Tenant

A copy of the complaint must reach the tenant through service by someone other than the landlord. Therefore, this ensures proper legal notification of the court proceedings.

Legal Proceedings Phase

Step 4: Attend Court Hearing

If the tenant responds, the court schedules a hearing. However, if the tenant does not respond, the court may issue a default judgment in favor of the landlord. Moreover, proper preparation and documentation often determine the outcome of these hearings.

Enforcement Phase

Step 5: Obtain Writ of Restitution

If the court rules in favor of the landlord, a judge issues a Writ of Restitution, allowing law enforcement to remove the tenant if necessary. Consequently, this final step ensures compliance with the court’s decision through official enforcement mechanisms.

Important Legal Citations

Washington eviction law provides specific statutory guidance for eviction procedures. Furthermore, understanding these legal references helps ensure proper compliance throughout the process.

Primary Legal Framework

Nonpayment of Rent: Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030(3) governs rent-related evictions. Additionally, this section establishes the specific requirements for non-payment notices.

Violation of Lease: Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030(4) covers lease violation procedures. Therefore, this statute provides the foundation for addressing lease breaches.

Lease Termination: Washington Revised Code § 59.18.200(1)(a) governs lease termination processes. Moreover, this section establishes the requirements for ending rental relationships.

Statutes

• Washington RCW §§ 59.18.060 – Landlord-Duties
• Washington RCW §§ 59.18.130 – Duties of tenant
• RCW §§ 59.18.280 – Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant-Statement and notice of basis for retention-Remedies for landlord’s failure to make refund-Exception
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.270 – Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant-Deposit by landlord in trust account-Receipt-Remedies under foreclosure-Claims
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.285 – Nonrefundable fees not to be designated as deposit-Written rental agreement required-Remedies
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.260 – Moneys paid as deposit or security for performance by tenant-Written rental agreement to specify terms and conditions for retention by landlord-Written checklist required
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.063 – Landlord-Written receipts for payments made by tenant
• Wash. Rev. Code § 62A.3-515 – Checks dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment; liability for interest; rate; collection costs and attorneys’ fees; satisfaction of claim
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.115 – Substandard and dangerous conditions-Notice to landlord-Government certification-Escrow account
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.100 – Landlord’s failure to carry out duties-Repairs effected by tenant-Procedure-Deduction of cost from rent-Limitations
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.310 – Default in rent-Abandonment-Liability of tenant-Landlord’s remedies-Sale of tenant’s property by landlord, deceased tenant exception
• Wash. Rev. Code §59.04.030 – Tenancy for specified time-Termination
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.200(1a-b) – [Effective 1/1/2028] Tenancy from month to month or for rental period-End of tenancy-Armed forces exception-Exclusion of children-Conversion to condominium-Demolition, substantial rehabilitation of the premises-Notice
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.04.050 – Tenancy by sufferance-Termination
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.030(3) – Unlawful detainer defined
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.030(4) – Unlawful detainer defined
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.030(5) – Unlawful detainer defined
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150(6) – Landlord’s right of entry-Purposes-Searches by fire officials-Searches by code enforcement officials for inspection purposes-Conditions
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150(5) – Landlord’s right of entry-Purposes-Searches by fire officials-Searches by code enforcement officials for inspection purposes-Conditions
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.290 – Removal or exclusion of tenant from premises-Holding over or excluding landlord from premises after termination date-Attorneys’ fees
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.300 – Termination of tenant’s utility services-Tenant causing loss of landlord provided utility services
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.060 – Landlord-Duties
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.130 – Duties of tenant
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.065 – Landlord-Copy of written rental agreement to tenant
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.257 – Screening of prospective tenants-Notice to prospective tenant-Costs-Adverse action notice-Violation
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.575(1b) – Victim protection-Notice to landlord-Termination of rental agreement-Procedures
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.575(2-3) – Victim protection-Notice to landlord-Termination of rental agreement-Procedures
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.575(4) – Victim protection-Notice to landlord-Termination of rental agreement-Procedures
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.580 – Victim protection-Limitation on tenant screening service provider disclosures and landlord’s rental decisions
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.240 – Reprisals or retaliatory actions by landlord-Prohibited
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.250 – Reprisals or retaliatory actions by landlord-Presumptions-Rebuttal-Costs
• Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.140 – Reasonable obligations or restrictions—Tenant’s duty to conform—Landlord’s duty to provide written notice in increase of rent