Index
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) - 14-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate
Summary
Requires landlords to provide a 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate the premises for non-payment.
Rights & Rules
- 01.If a tenant does not pay rent when due, the landlord must provide a written 14-day notice allowing the tenant to either pay the overdue rent or move out.
- 02.An eviction lawsuit for non-payment cannot be filed until this 14-day notice period has fully elapsed without the rent being paid.
Penalties
- 01.An eviction action initiated without proper adherence to the 14-day notice period will be dismissed by the court.
- 02.Landlords may be liable for court costs and attorney's fees if they proceed with an improper eviction.
Verified Citations
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 59.18.057
Source"Prior to filing an unlawful detainer action for nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a notice to pay or vacate to the tenant. The notice must be in writing and must allow at least 14 days for the tenant to pay the rent."