National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Washington?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Washington finish in about 3 to 7 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Washington eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    14 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    14-day notice to pay or vacate

    From our guide: “demanding the total within 14 days after service”

  2. 2Court case

    7 to 30 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Return date/show cause hearing 7 to 30 days after service

    From our guide: “The return date must be not less than seven nor more than 30 days from service”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    3 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Sheriff waits 3 days after serving writ before executing

    From our guide: “serving a copy on the tenant and waiting three days before executing it”

What can slow it down

  • If the 14-day notice is served by posting and mail, five extra days must run before filing, making it effectively a 19-day notice; a tenant also has five court days after judgment to reinstate the tenancy by paying what is owed, and the sheriff may not execute the writ until that period passes.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Washington eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Washington scores 1 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (tenant-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Washington attorney before acting.