Washington Eviction Laws
Washington enacted one of the strongest just-cause eviction laws in the country in 2021 (HB 1236) — after the first rental period, landlords must have a statutory qualifying reason to terminate a tenancy.
Key Rules
- Nonpayment Notice
- 14 days written notice to pay rent or vacate
- Just Cause Required
- Yes — after first rental period, just cause required under RCW 59.18.650[confirmed ] (HB 1236, 2021)
- Periodic Tenancy Notice
- 20 days minimum for month-to-month termination without cause (first rental period only)
- Rent Control
- No statewide rent control; Seattle and other cities have explored local measures
- Relocation Assistance
- Required for certain no-fault terminations in many Washington cities
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Unlawful detainer (eviction): grounds include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and holding over. For nonpayment, a 14-day notice to pay or vacate is required (as of 2021 amendments).
Source confirmed · Official state source
Just cause eviction requirement (HB 1236, eff. 2021): after the first rental period, landlord must have a qualifying just-cause reason to end a tenancy. Qualifying grounds include nonpayment, lease violations, end of fixed-term, owner occupancy, and building demolition.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“…own or unavailable at the time of the issuance of the notice.[ 2021 c 212 s 2.]Notes:Effective date—2021 c 212: See note following RCW 59.18.030. PDF RCW 59.18.650 Eviction of tenant, refusal to continue tenancy, end of periodic tenancy—Cause—Notice—Penalties. (Effective January 1, 2028.) (1)(a) A landlord may n…”
Notice requirements for eviction: landlord must give proper written notice and follow court procedures. Self-help eviction is prohibited.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.