How do I evict a tenant?

In the state of Washington, the process for evicting a tenant is a bit complicated and it’s important to follow the exact requirements put forth in the law. The first step is to serve the tenant with a written notice that you are terminating their tenancy and they must move out by a certain date. Different reasons for evicting tenants require different types of notices. For example, failure to pay rent would require an Unconditional Quit Notice, while the tenant participating in illegal activities would require a Pay or Quit Notice. Once the notice is served, the tenant must respond by either paying their overdue rent or moving out. If they don’t, then the next step is to file a complaint with the court. You must also provide evidence, like copies of the tenant’s lease agreement and your notices. The court will then issue a summons (a legal document) that requires the tenant to appear in court to defend themselves. If, after the court hearing, the tenant decides not to move out, the final step is to obtain a writ of restitution from the court. This document orders the sheriff to physically remove the tenant from your property. Evicting a tenant can be a long and complicated process, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with Washington’s laws and make sure you are following them correctly. It’s also a good idea to consult an attorney if you need assistance.

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How do I evict a tenant?

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