Kennewick, WA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Kennewick, WA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Local Ordinance
- None; state law controls
- Statewide Statute
- RCW 59.18.650 (eff. 2021)
- Nonpayment Notice
- 14 days (RCW 59.12.030)
- Breach Notice
- 10-day cure or vacate
- Forum
- Benton County District Court
Summary
Kennewick has no separate local just-cause ordinance, but Washington's statewide just-cause statute, RCW 59.18.650 (effective May 2021), already applies. A landlord may end a tenancy only for one of the enumerated causes, with the prescribed written notice, and may not arbitrarily refuse to renew.
(m) The tenant continues in possession after having received at least 60 days' advance written notice to vacate for other good cause prior to the end of the period or rental agreement and such cause constitutes a legitimate economic or business reason not covered or related to a basis for ending the lease as enumerated under this subsection (2).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
650 was enacted by SSB 5160 / HB 1236 in 2021 and made Washington one of the few states with statewide just-cause eviction protection. 057), substantial lease breach with a 10-day cure-or-vacate notice, four or more late-pay notices in 12 months, criminal activity or nuisance, owner move-in, sale to an owner-occupant, substantial renovation, withdrawal from the rental market, and several other listed causes, each tied to a specific notice period (commonly 60 or 90 days). End-of-term and convenience evictions without a listed cause are barred. Kennewick adds no extra local cause categories. Unlawful detainer cases are filed in Benton County District Court (or Superior Court for higher-value cases). 290.
Violations & Fines
Filing or threatening eviction without a listed just cause exposes the landlord to dismissal of the unlawful detainer, statutory damages, and attorney fees under RCW 59.18.650(5). Self-help lockouts are independently actionable under RCW 59.18.290 with up to $100 per day plus damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Kennewick landlord need a reason to evict?
How much notice is needed to evict a Kennewick tenant?
Can a Kennewick landlord lock me out?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
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