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Evictions in Washington State generally take around three weeks from start to finish, but this can vary. There are many variables that impact the length of time the eviction process will take. Below is a sample timeline for eviction due to non-payment of rent.

Landlords are generally prohibited from locking a tenant out of the premises, from taking a tenant's property for nonpayment of rent (except for abandoned property under certain conditions), or from intentionally terminating a tenant's utility service. Various penalties exist for violating these protections.

New laws affecting renters in Washington State in 2023 Within 30 days after a tenant moves out, the landlord must either return the full security deposit or give the tenant a written statement documenting why they kept some or all of it.

An eviction notice must first be served properly and the tenant must have failed to comply, pay, or vacate within the specified timeframe. This must happen before the landlord can begin the eviction court process by serving you an ?unlawful detainer? eviction lawsuit, called a Summons & Complaint.

A 14-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate does not mean that you have to vacate the premises within 14 days. Eviction is a court process, and your landlord cannot have you removed from the premises until a court order has been issued.

Eviction Complaint Next, you must file an eviction complaint in the appropriate Washington court. This will cost you anywhere between $150 and $230, depending on the location where you're filing the complaint. After the successful filing of the complaint, the court clerk will issue you with a summons.