Outline of the Eviction Process in Washington

1. Grounds for Eviction

• Legal reasons required (just-cause for most tenancies):
  • Non-payment of rent.
  • Lease violation (e.g., unauthorized pets, property damage).
  • Illegal activity (e.g., drug-related conduct, violent crime).
  • End of lease term (with just cause).
  • Holdover tenancy (tenant remains after lease expires).
  • No-fault (e.g., owner occupancy, sale, rehabilitation).
• Laws: Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.010 to § 59.18.912 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act); § 59.12.010 to § 59.12.230 (Unlawful Detainer).

2. Notice to Quit

• Written Notice to Quit or Comply served:
  • Non-payment: 14-day notice to pay or vacate.
  • Lease violation: 10-day notice to comply or vacate (if curable); 3-day for non-curable.
  • Month-to-month (no-fault): 60-day notice with just cause.
  • Illegal activity: 3-day notice to vacate (no cure).
  • Holdover: 20-day notice (month-to-month); 3-day for fixed-term.
• Delivery: Hand-delivered, mailed (certified or first-class), or posted with mailed copy.
• Tenant can cure by paying rent (within 14 days) or fixing violation (within 10 days).

3. Filing the Eviction Case

• File Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer in Superior Court; District Court for smaller claims.
• Documents: Summons, complaint, Notice to Quit, lease, proof of service, non-military affidavit.
• Fee: ~$75–$200 (varies by county).
• Timing: After notice period expires (e.g., 15th day for 14-day notice).

4. Serving the Summons and Complaint

• Sheriff, process server, or disinterested person serves papers 7 days before hearing (5 days if personally served).
• Methods: Personal delivery, substituted service (resident over 18), or posted and mailed.
• Tenant must file Answer or appear within 7 days.

5. Court Hearing

• Held 7–21 days after filing.
• Landlord presents evidence; tenant raises defenses (e.g., improper notice, retaliation).
• Outcomes: Eviction granted, case dismissed, or agreement (e.g., payment plan).

6. Judgment and Execution

• Writ of Restitution if landlord wins (3–7 days to vacate).
• Appeal: 7 days to Court of Appeals (requires bond).
• Writ issued: ~3–10 days post-judgment; sheriff serves 72-hour notice to vacate.

7. Physical Eviction

• Sheriff removes tenant; no mandatory storage (property may be placed on street or stored at landlord’s discretion).
• Tenant may reclaim stored property by paying costs.
• Law: Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.130.

8. Tenant Protections

• Rights:
  • Cure violations (14 days for rent, 10 days for lease issues), just-cause protections, relocation assistance in some cities.
  • Defenses (retaliation, discrimination, habitability), right to counsel in cities like Seattle.
  • No self-help evictions (landlord penalties up to $100/day or actual damages).
• Resources:
  • Northwest Justice Project (888-201-1014), nwjustice.org, courts.wa.gov.

Notes

• Disclaimer: General guide; consult a lawyer. Local ordinances may apply.
• Sources: Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.010 to § 59.18.912, § 59.12.010 to § 59.12.230; courts.wa.gov; nwjustice.org.

Eviction Process by State