Washington Eviction Notice (2026)

Notice to pay rent or quit, cure a violation or vacate — with your state's exact notice period, statutory wording, day counting and service rules.

Updated September 2026≈ 6 minReviewed against RCW 59.12.030 · RCW 59.12.040

State:EN ES RU 中文 UZ

Free to fill & preview · $19 PDF + WordBlank PDF (free, no account)

View larger

What you'll get

Sample first page of the Eviction Notice. Your answers fill in the blanks; the clauses required in Washington are added automatically.

PDF
Word
Print

This preview updates as you type. Blank fields show as ____ .

What this document covers

Reason: nonpayment, lease violation or unconditional quit
State notice period and day counting
Tenants, occupants and premises
Amount past due and rental periods
Where, when and how rent may be paid
Description of the violation and how to cure
Statutory wording and bold notices your state requires
CARES Act 30-day rule for covered properties
Method of service permitted in your state
Proof of service for the court

Washington rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent	14 days — 14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or VacateSource: RCW 59.12.030(3); RCW 59.18.057
Lease violation	10 days — tenant may cureSource: RCW 59.12.030(4)
Unconditional quit	3 days — Waste, nuisance, unlawful business, or gang-related activity on premises (3-day notice to vacate, no cure)Source: RCW 59.12.030(5); RCW 59.18.650(2)(c)
Permitted service methods	Personal delivery to the tenant; Leaving with a person of suitable age + mail (adds 1 day) (+1 day); Posting conspicuously + mail (adds 1 day) (+1 day)Source: RCW 59.12.040
Required content	14-day notice must be in substantially the form set out in RCW 59.18.057(1); this generator reproduces that form verbatim with your figures. It may demand rent, utilities and recurring lease charges only — not late fees, deposits or damages. Mailed copies add one day to the notice period (RCW 59.12.040).
Statute	RCW 59.12 (Forcible Entry and Detainer); RCW 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, esp. §§ 59.18.057, 59.18.650)

Rules current as of 2026-10-27. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Eviction Notice in Washington

Serve the notice exactly as Washington law allows and count the days from the day of service — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks; this generator does the counting for you. Do not include late fees in a pay-or-quit amount unless your state permits it. If the tenant pays the full amount in time, the notice is satisfied.

Keep a copy of the notice and the signed proof of service; you will attach both to the court complaint if the tenant does not comply.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in Washington?

14 days (14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate), RCW 59.12.030(3); RCW 59.18.057. Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

Personal delivery to the tenant; Leaving with a person of suitable age + mail (adds 1 day); Posting conspicuously + mail (adds 1 day). RCW 59.12.040. Keep the completed proof of service — the court will ask for it.

Can I change the locks or shut off utilities instead?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and exposes the landlord to damages. After the notice period expires you must file an eviction case in court.

Other names

notice to quit
pay or quit notice
3 day notice
notice to vacate
eviction letter
notice to cure or quit
late rent notice
demand for possession

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.