Washington Eviction Notice

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

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Washington rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent14 days — 14-Day Notice to Pay Rent or VacateSource: RCW 59.12.030(3); RCW 59.18.057
Lease violation10 days — tenant may cureSource: RCW 59.12.030(4)
Unconditional quit3 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 methodspersonal, substituted, posting and mailingSource: RCW 59.12.040 (personal delivery; leaving with person of suitable age and mailing; affixing conspicuously and mailing; mailed copies add 1 day)
Required wording14-day notice must be in substantially the form set out in RCW 59.18.057(1), headed 'FOURTEEN-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE THE PREMISES', itemizing monthly rent, utilities and other periodic charges due, stating 'You must pay the total amount due to your landlord within fourteen (14) days after service of this notice or you must vacate the premises', the payment methods, the landlord's name/address/phone, and the statement that the Attorney General's website has the notice and information in multiple languages and that legal help may be available (with the AG/Office of Civil Legal Aid contact information).
StatuteRCW 59.12 (Forcible Entry and Detainer); RCW 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, esp. §§ 59.18.057, 59.18.650)

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. 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 correctly — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks. 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, substituted, posting and mailing. RCW 59.12.040 (personal delivery; leaving with person of suitable age and mailing; affixing conspicuously and mailing; mailed copies add 1 day) 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.

Related documents

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.