There are 4 different types of notices for landlords wishing to proceed with evicting a tenant in Washington, each suitable for its own cause for eviction — illegal activity, non-compliance, non-payment of rent, and month-to-month. Each form has a requisite notice deadline, in which the tenant is directed to either remedy the violation (if applicable) or leave the property. If neither has happened after notice has been properly delivered and the deadline has passed, a landlord may then file a complaint with their local Superior Court .
Landlords may begin the eviction process by giving the tenant one of the following forms which should correspond with the landlord’s reason for eviction.
If the tenant remains on the rental property after the expiration of the eviction notice, the landlord may then proceed to the Superior Court where they will file a complaint. It’s recommended that landlords attempt to solve their grievance out of court as court proceedings can be both lengthy and costly. Trying to remedy issues with the tenant is sometimes possible with adequate communication.
Forms to File:
Service of the summons and complaint will be completed by the sheriff, a deputy of the sheriff, or a person at least 18 years of age who is not a party to the case. They will either serve the tenant personally, or, if the tenant can’t be reached in person, a copy of the summons will be left with a person on the property of “suitable age.” If neither of those options is successful, a copy may be sent by first-class mail as well as another copy left at the address of the rental property. 7
The tenant must file an Answer with the court if they wish to contest the eviction. In doing so, the tenant will list any defenses and a hearing date will be scheduled. 8
If the tenant fails to file an answer with the court or does file an answer but fails to appear on the date of their hearing, the court will issue a default judgment and possession of the property awarded to the landlord.
A ruling in favor of the landlord will result in a writ of restitution being issued. For evictions for non-payment of rent, the writ will be executed no sooner than five days after it has been issued. 9 Writs will be executed after three days from the date of judgment in non-compliance evictions. 10
Once the sheriff receives the writ of restitution, they will serve the tenant final notice that they must leave or be forcibly removed from the property.
For unpaid rent agreements, the tenant and landlord come to a final payment agreement, including partial payment, that may maintain the lease and void the writ. However, written proof of the agreement must be provided to the sheriff, and it is the tenant’s responsibility to do so. 10