Washington Eviction Notice Templates

A Washington eviction notice notifies a tenant of lease violations or termination. The notice must meet strict notice and service requirements to be valid. Without the proper notice, an eviction case cannot proceed.

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Last updated January 26th, 2026

A Washington eviction notice notifies a tenant of lease violations or termination. The notice must meet strict notice and service requirements to be valid. Without the proper notice, an eviction case cannot proceed.

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By Type

Pay or Quit – Sent when rent is overdue.

Cure or Quit – Used for lease violations.

Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Ends a month-to-month tenancy.

Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Applies to serious unlawful behavior.

Eviction Laws

  • Rent Grace Period: No grace period required by statute.
  • Non-Payment of Rent: 14 days.[1]
  • Non-Compliance: 10 days.[2]
  • Illegal Activity: 3 days.[3]
  • Termination (Month-to-Month Lease):

    • 20 days when notice is given by the tenant
    • Notice requirements vary when served by the landlord.[4]
  • Eviction Lawsuit Type: Forcible Entry and Forcible and Unlawful Detainer.[5]

Prohibited Landlord Actions in Washington

  • Utility Shutoff – A landlord may not intentionally shut off or interrupt essential utilities such as water, heat, electricity, or gas, except for brief interruptions necessary for repairs. Violations may expose the landlord to damages and penalties of up to $100 per day for each day services are interrupted.[6]
  • Changing the Locks – A landlord may not remove or exclude a tenant from the rental unit without a court order. If a tenant is unlawfully locked out, they may regain possession, terminate the lease, recover damages, and seek attorney’s fees.[7]

Washington law strictly prohibits self-help evictions.

 

How to Evict a Tenant in Washington (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Serve Proper Notice

The eviction process begins with written notice giving the tenant an opportunity to correct the issue or move out. Depending on the situation, the landlord may use:

  • 3-Day Notice to Quit (Illegal Activity)
  • 10-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Compliance)
  • 14-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Payment of Rent)
  • Lease Termination Letter (Month-to-Month Tenancy)

Step 2: File Summons and Complaint

If the tenant fails to comply with the notice, the landlord may file an Unlawful Detainer Action in the appropriate Superior Court by submitting a summons and eviction complaint.

Filing fees vary by county, including:

  • King County: $85 initial filing fee, plus $112 if an order to show cause is requested or an answer is filed.[8]
  • Pierce County: $85 initial filing fee, plus $112 for additional motions.[9]
  • Snohomish County: $83 initial filing fee, plus $112 for additional motions.[10]

Step 3: Serve the Tenant

The summons and complaint must be served by someone other than the landlord. Proof of service must be filed with the court. After service, the tenant generally has up to six days to file an answer.

Step 4: Court Hearing and Judgment

If the tenant does not respond, the court may issue a default judgment and allow the landlord to request a Writ of Restitution. If the tenant does respond, the court will hold a hearing. If the landlord prevails, the writ authorizes the sheriff to remove the tenant from the property.

 

Court Forms & Resources

The paperwork needed for an eviction lawsuit is from the Superior Court.

  • Complaint for Unlawful Detainer – Filed by the landlord to formally begin an eviction lawsuit.
  • Eviction Summons – Filed alongside the complaint and served on the tenant to explain how and when they must respond.
  • Order to Show Cause – Issued by the court to schedule a hearing when the tenant contests the eviction.
  • Notice of Appearance or Answer – Allows the tenant to formally respond to the eviction claims.
  • Writ of Restitution – Authorizes the sheriff to remove the tenant and return possession to the landlord after a court ruling.

Sources

  1. § 59.12.030(3)
  2. § 59.12.030(4)
  3. § 59.12.030(5)
  4. § 59.18.200(1)(a)
  5. § 59.12.010 – 59.12.230
  6. § 59.18.300
  7. § 59.18.290(1)
  8. King County Superior Court Clerk’s Office Fee and Payment Information
  9. Pierce County Clerk Fee Schedule
  10. Snohomish County Civil