Benton County, WA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Benton County, WA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- No-cause eviction
- Prohibited statewide
- Statute
- RCW 59.18.650 (2021)
- Nonpayment notice
- 14 days
- Owner move-in
- 90 days notice
- Self-help lockout
- Illegal
Summary
Washington requires just cause to evict. In Benton County a landlord may not end a tenancy or refuse renewal except for a reason listed in RCW 59.18.650, nonpayment, a lease breach, or an owner move-in, and must give the matching written notice.
A landlord may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for the causes enumerated in subsection (2)
Full Breakdown
Since 2021, RCW 59.18.650 has barred no-cause evictions statewide, and it applies in Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, and unincorporated Benton County. A landlord may evict, refuse to continue, or end a periodic tenancy only for one of the causes the statute enumerates: nonpayment of rent, repeated late payment, a substantial lease breach, the owner or a family member moving in, sale of the home, or major renovation. Each cause carries its own notice period, from 14 days for nonpayment to 90 days for an owner move-in. Self-help lockouts and utility shutoffs remain illegal.
Violations & Fines
An eviction without an enumerated cause or proper notice is dismissed. A landlord who locks out a tenant or cuts utilities commits an illegal self-help eviction and owes the tenant damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without a reason?
How much notice for nonpayment of rent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
Compare Benton County to another location·View the Washington rental property rules overview
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