Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Eviction Notice Requirements
Key Facts
- Nonpayment of rent
- 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057)
- Lease violation
- 10 days to cure (RCW 59.12.030)
- Waste / nuisance
- 3 days' notice to quit
- Just cause
- Required to end most tenancies (RCW 59.18.650)
- Filing
- Unlawful detainer only after notice expires uncured
Summary
For nonpayment of rent, a Washington landlord must serve a 14-day pay-or-vacate notice in the form set by RCW 59.18.057 before filing an unlawful detainer under RCW 59.12.030. Lease-violation terminations require a 10-day cure notice, and waste, nuisance, or unlawful activity requires only 3 days. Most evictions also require just cause under RCW 59.18.650.
When he or she continues in possession in person or by subtenant after a default in the payment of rent, and after notice in writing requiring in the alternative the payment of the rent or the surrender of the detained premises, served (in manner in RCW 59.12.040 provided) on behalf of the person entitled to the rent upon the person owing it, has remained uncomplied with for the period of three days after service, or for the period of 14 days after service for tenancies under chapter 59.18 RCW. The notice may be served at any time after the rent becomes due. For the purposes of this subsection and as applied to tenancies under chapter 59.18 RCW, "rent" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 59.18.030
Full Breakdown
RCW 59.18.057 requires that a nonpayment notice tell the tenant: 'You must pay the total amount due to your landlord within fourteen (14) days after service of this notice or you must vacate the premises,' using the statute's mandated form, which lists rental-assistance and legal-aid resources. RCW 59.12.030 then supplies the unlawful-detainer grounds: 14 days for nonpayment in RLTA tenancies, '10 days' to cure a breach of a lease condition or covenant, and 'three days' notice to quit' for waste, nuisance, or unlawful business. A landlord must still have just cause under RCW 59.18.650 to end most tenancies, and a defective notice is grounds to dismiss the eviction.
Violations & Penalties
No specific statutory penalty for serving notice, but a notice that omits the RCW 59.18.057 form language or states the wrong period is defective and the unlawful detainer can be dismissed. A wrongful or retaliatory eviction can expose the landlord to damages, costs, and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Washington eviction notice for unpaid rent?
What notice is required for a lease violation in Washington?
Sources
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