Washington Statewide Just Cause Eviction Protections

Under RCW 59.18.650, enacted by SB 5160 in 2021, residential landlords must provide written notice citing one of 16 specific just causes to terminate or refuse to renew a tenancy. Causes include nonpayment of rent (14-day notice), substantial lease violations, criminal activity, owner move-in, sale of property, and substantial rehabilitation. Fixed-term leases of less than 6 to 12 months convert to month-to-month protections after expiration. The statute applies statewide, supplementing stronger local just-cause ordinances such as Seattle's.

Wrongful eviction allows tenants to recover up to three months' rent, actual damages, and attorney fees under RCW 59.18.650(5).