Notify tenant of intent to evict in Washington: Washington Eviction Notice
What we’ll cover
What is a Washington Eviction Notice or Notice to Quit?
If you own or manage residential property in Washington, you can create a Washington Eviction Notice to notify renters of impending legal action if they do not comply with the terms of the lease agreement or leave the property when lawfully asked to do so.
With Washington Eviction Notices, you can enforce your terms, while still giving your tenant(s) time to address the issue before a specific deadline. That said, in some instances, there won't be any resolution, and going to court is inevitable.
Our Eviction Notice for Washington can be used for residential property within the Evergreen State. If rent control or local laws complicate your tenant eviction, you may want to consult a Rocket Legal Pro™.
When to use a Washington Eviction Notice:
- Your tenant has failed to pay the rent.
- Your tenant has violated a provision of the lease or rental agreement.
- Your tenant materially damaged the property.
- Your tenant is a nuisance or has caused trouble among other tenants.
- Your tenant has used the property for illegal activity.
- You wish to end a periodic tenancy (such as month-to-month).
- The lease has expired and the tenant has remained on the property.
Please note: you may never forcibly evict a tenant without going through the formal tenant eviction process.
Sample Washington Eviction Notice
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Complies with relevant laws
14 DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
, Washington
TO TENANT(S) AND ALL OTHERS IN POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES LOCATED AT:
, , Washington
You are receiving this notice because the landlord alleges you are not in compliance with the the tenancy dated
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you have remained on the property after receiving notice that or their immediate family will be occupying the property.
(5)| ______________________________ | _____________ |
| OWNER/LANDLORD: | DATE |
WHERE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE IS TO BE PAID:
About Eviction Notices in Washington
Learn about how to notify tenant of intent to evict in Washington state
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Different types and reasons for evictions in Washington
REASON FOR EVICTION
TYPE OF NOTICE
NUMBER OF DAYS FOR NOTICE
LAWS
Nonpayment of rent
“Washington 14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate”
14 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Violation of lease or rental agreement
“Washington 10-Day Notice to Comply or Vacate”
10 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Lease holdover
“Washington 3-Day Notice to Vacate”
3 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Damage, nuisance, or illegal activity
“Washington 3-Day Notice to Vacate”
3 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Squatting
“Washington 3-Day Notice to Vacate”
3 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Landlord or immediate family occupying property
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Landlord selling property
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Property is being converted
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Property is being condemned
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Continued possession of property would subject landlord to civil or criminal liability
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Vacating property shared with landlord
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Vacating transitional housing
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Material misrepresentations on lease application
“Washington 20-Day Notice to Vacate”
20 days’ notice
Washington Revised Code § 59.12.030
Regardless of the type of notice you need, we can help you build it. Get started now!
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Requirements, liabilities, and tenant protection for evictions in Washington
EVICTION NOTICE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF: NONPAYMENT OF RENT
A tenant is guilty of unlawful detainer if they stay in the rental property after not paying rent and, after being given notice to pay or leave, they do not comply within three days. (Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 59.12.030(3))
EVICTION NOTICE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF: NONCOMPLIANCE
A tenant is guilty of unlawful detainer if:
- They stay in the rental property after failing to follow other terms of the lease and, after being given written notice to comply or leave, they do not comply within 10 days.
- They commit or allow waste on the property, engage in illegal business, or maintain a nuisance on the property, and stay in the property after being given a three-day notice to leave.
- They commit or allow any gang-related activity on the property.
(Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 59.12.030(4), (5), and (7))
NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND LANDLORD LIABILITY REGARDING PERSONAL PROPERTY
A landlord must make reasonable efforts to notify the tenant about the landlord's name and address, the location where the tenant's property is stored, as well as information about the upcoming sale or disposal of the property, including the date. This notice is considered given if it's sent by first-class mail to the tenant's last-known address, any other address provided by the tenant in writing, or any address known to the landlord where the tenant might receive the notice.
After 45 days from the notice date, the landlord may sell or dispose of the property.
If the property's total value is $250 or less, the landlord may sell or dispose of it seven days after mailing or delivering the notice to the tenant. (Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 59.18.310(2))
TENANT PROTECTION REGARDING FORECLOSURES
When a property with tenants is sold at a trustee's sale, the new owner must notify the tenants that they can either be given a new rental agreement or a written notice to vacate. This notice must be given at least 60 days before the end of the monthly rental period. (Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 61.24.060(2))
If the trustee decides to foreclose, upon posting a notice of trustee's sale, the trustee must inform the tenants that the foreclosure process has started and that the property may be sold at foreclosure no less than 90 days after the notice. (Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 61.24.143)
MORE RELEVANT LAWS
Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) §§ 59.12.010 through 59.16.040; Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) §§ 59.18.363 through 59.18.430; Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 61.24.060; Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 61.24.143.
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How to write a Washington Eviction Notice
Below is a list of details you may need when preparing a Washington Eviction Notice. Not all items will apply to every situation. Any documents related to the rental agreement, lease violation, including any late rent notices or proof of lease violation, will also be helpful.
1. Start with the rental addresses
Addresses of the rental property and landlord or property management company.
2. List all tenant names
Every tenant listed on the Lease Agreement, pays rent, or lives there must be included in the notice.
3. Include the status and date of the Lease Agreement
Whether the lease is still active or not, or if there is a lease at all.
4. Detail the reason that the notice is being served
Landlords should always refer to state laws regarding evictions to make sure they have a legally valid reason to evict a tenant. The reason for the eviction will determine the type of notice being delivered.
Review each provision in the lease or rental agreement. If you are evicting tenants for unpaid rent, determine the amount of unpaid rent, if any. If you are evicting tenants for lease violations, determine violations of the lease or rental agreement, if any. Including documentation and the original lease agreement is also a good idea.
Remember, you will need to confirm that any policies and terms referred to in the Eviction Notice are actually present in the fully executed rental contract or lease agreement.
5. Provide the number of days for the notice period
The Eviction Notice should clearly spell out how much time the tenant has to resolve the situation before further legal action is taken. Rocket Lawyer can help you determine how much notice is required for your state and situation and build the right type of Eviction Notice.
6. Attach the proof of service
When using a proof of service to document the delivery of an Eviction Notice, the serving party should sign the document at the time of delivery. In Washington, this is often called a Proof of Service.
Luckily, you don't need to start from scratch when making a Washington Eviction Notice with Rocket Lawyer. Just answer a few simple questions and we’ll build the right eviction notice for the situation, as well as help with next steps on how to serve your Eviction Notice.
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The eviction process in Washington: what happens after making an Eviction Notice?
Now that you have made your Washington Eviction Notice with Rocket Lawyer, you might be wondering: what now?
The next step is to serve it. You must sign the notice before serving it on the tenant(s) – and there are a few methods for serving the notice:
- Deliver it personally.
- Work with a process server.
- Send it via certified mail (if also posted to the door or given to someone else in the house).
Please remember that "self-help" or "DIY" evictions are illegal in Washington. Landlords shouldn't throw out belongings, shut off utilities, change the locks, or in any way attempt to intimidate tenants in an effort to force them to move. Taking the appropriate lawful actions before and throughout the eviction process is critical to removing tenants successfully under a court order.
What happens after the notice period?
If a tenant does not pay rent or move out after the notice period, the landlord can choose to file an eviction lawsuit, also known as an Unlawful Detainer.
What are some essentials throughout the eviction process?
As you prepare to file for an eviction, it is always a good idea to work with a lawyer. An attorney with experience in evictions can answer your questions and help make sure you follow local laws and processes. Also, outside of reviewing your Eviction Notice document, your lawyer can help you prepare and argue your case once it goes in front of a judge.
In order to assemble all of your records for your lawyer, you may want to fill out an Eviction Process Worksheet. This document provides basic information about your tenant and their violation(s) of your rental agreement. You can also attach documentation, including a copy of the lease, photographs of the damage, repair estimates, written statements of witnesses, police reports, and other records to support your case.
If you need to move forward with legal action after delivering the Eviction Notice, you will need to file your lawsuit properly with the local courts. The Washington website can tell you which documents you will need to file and what the fees might be – or you can ask a lawyer to get started and find an attorney in your state. A local lawyer with experience in evictions can help you navigate the process efficiently.
Washington Eviction Notice FAQs
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Do I need an Eviction Notice in Washington?
Generally speaking, yes, if you wish to remove a tenant from your Washington rental property, you must always provide them with a Notice of Eviction first to start the process.
Some of the most common situations in which you might need one include:
- The tenant is habitually late to pay their rent or they are behind on payments.
- The tenant has caused substantial damage.
- The tenant harasses or disturbs the quiet enjoyment of their neighbors.
- The tenant is using your property for an illegal business.
- The tenant gets a dog or cat and the rental contract forbids pets.
- The tenant sublets their unit in breach of the agreement.
Outside of these violations, a renter may also be evicted for reasons unrelated to anything they’ve done wrong – like when the property owner needs to move back in.
Please note that the list above isn't exhaustive and that the acceptable reasons for evicting a tenant may be a little different from place to place. If you've got any concerns about Washington eviction laws, reach out to a Rocket Legal Pro™.
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Do I need a lawyer if I am evicting someone in Washington?
While you can choose to make a Washington Eviction Notice without support from a lawyer, many landlords find having a lawyer available for questions and consultations extremely helpful.
A Rocket Legal Pro™ with experience in landlord-tenant matters can help you with evictions, or any other issues that may arise. A Rocket Legal+ membership provides significant discounts on Pro Services, including attorney consultations, and unlimited customizable and e-signable rental documents, at an incredibly low price.
As a property owner or manager, you can be confident that Rocket Lawyer is by your side.
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How do Washington eviction laws affect me as a rental property owner?
Laws change depending on where you (and your property) are. The notice periods in Washington, for example, might be different from the ones in other states – in fact, there might even be differences between counties and cities. All the ways the document may be served to the tenant also vary.
This is all to say that the eviction process and restrictions can be complicated to navigate, particularly when keeping in mind state-specific requirements. As a result, it is strongly recommended that every property owner connect with a lawyer when making a Notice of Eviction in Washington - or anywhere else - to any tenant.
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How do I create a Washington Eviction Notice template for free?
Don’t worry – you don’t have to make it all on your own: you can use the document tools on Rocket Lawyer to make a Washington Eviction Notice for free. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions and we will put together a customized notice for you, piece by piece, and with all the details customized to your situation. This is often much less time-consuming than other solutions.
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How is a Washington Notice to Vacate structured?
That might change a little depending on the type of Eviction Notice you may need. However, some information must always be provided. Before getting started, you might want to gather the following critical details:
- The address and description of the property.
- The renter's contact information.
- How many past due rent payments should be made (if any) to bring the tenant into compliance with the lease or rental agreement.
- Which of the lease clauses have been violated (and a copy of the Lease Agreement, in this case).
- How much time the tenant has to resolve the situation.
In the event that the tenant isn't at fault, you may want to provide more context. Further customization is permitted as well. You'll need to confirm that all of the policies and terms mentioned in the Washington Eviction Notice are present in the fully executed rental contract.
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How much might it normally cost to evict a tenant in Washington?
The cost of an eviction varies widely depending on your location and the specifics of the situation. Some things to consider are the cost of filing court documents, legal fees, the value of unrecovered payments, storage or cleaning fees, as well as the money and time spent finding a replacement tenant.
A Rocket Legal+ membership provides savings for some of these expenses, including unlimited customizable and e-signable rental documents, significant discounts on Pro Services, and ongoing support for your rental property business.
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How long does it take to complete the Washington eviction process from beginning to end?
The duration of the eviction process for Washington tenants will usually depend on the notice period required, as well as the lawsuit period if you proceed with one.
Below, you'll find a basic explanation of Washington notice periods to get you started:
- Past-due rent: 14-day notice.
- Non-compliance with lease: 10-day notice.
- No cause: 20-day notice.
If the tenant decides to leave before the notice period ends - which is common - the process actually becomes a lot shorter.
If that doesn’t happen, when your notice period is over, the actual eviction may take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Please note that with certain kinds of housing, for instance where rent is subsidized, the mandated notice period is often even longer.
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What are my next steps after I have made an Eviction Notice/Notice to Quit in Washington?
After making a Washington Eviction Notice, the next step is to serve it. You may read more about the eviction process in Washington and everything that follows here.
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What happens after the given notice period is over in Washington?
If a tenant does not pay rent after being given a notice, the landlord can choose to file an eviction lawsuit, also known as an Unlawful Detainer.
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How do I file an eviction with the courts in Washington?
If the tenant does not comply with the notice, you can file an Unlawful Detainer Action by filing a Summons and Eviction Complaint with the Superior Court located where the rental property is located. You cannot deliver the Summons and Eviction Complaint to the tenant, you must hire a professional server or have an adult other than yourself do it for you. You'll need to file a Certificate of Service (Proof of Service) with the court to show that the document was delivered properly and when. If the tenants respond, you'll need to file a motion for an order to show cause. If the tenant doesn't respond or attend court, you'll be awarded a Writ of Restitution by default. The Writ of Restitution authorizes the sheriff to remove the tenants if necessary.
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