How to Properly Serve an Eviction Notice in Washington - [NOT the summons and complaint]

This guide applies to notices required prior to serving the summons and complaint, such as a pay rent or vacate notice. "Eviction notice" does NOT refer to the summons and complaint. Notice requirements are strictly construed against the landlord.

Personal Service

Personally serve the notice by placing a copy of the notice in the hands of each and every tenant.

Sustitute Service AND Mailing

Substitute service on a person of suitable age and discretion AND mailing a copy to each tenant.

Posting AND Mailing

If neither the tenant nor a person of suitable age and discretion is present then affixing a copy of the notice in a conspicuous place on the premises AND mailing a copy.

Additional Resources

Mailing. Regular first class is fine. When mailing is required, one day is added by rule to the response from the tenant. If there is more than one person living in the property it is important to serve enough for each person. It is best to serve all known residents, whether authorized by the lease or not. If someone answers the door, hand that person enough notices for everyone and mail copies separately to each other tenant. Likewise if posting a copy, mail one separately to each tenant. Posting. Notices must be posted in a conspicuous manner. Anyone should be able to walk up and read it. Therefore, do NOT fold it, leave it in an envelope, slide it under the door or through the mail slot, etc. Please Note – While you may not contract for shorter notice periods than required by statute, you may agree to longer periods. Check your lease. If it states the tenant is to receive a longer notice period than is called for in the statute and in our standard forms, you must edit the forms appropriately. RCW 59.12.040. Service the summons and complaint must be by a third party. It must be by personal service unless a court order authorizes other means. This article is about service of pre-lawsuit notices, NOT the summons and complaint.

Access Evictions.com

Washington Landlord-Tenant Blog

Washington Eviction Form Kit

Comments - add comment

Posted 5 months ago.

Anonymous Comment: Wow...Thank you for this info. My tenant has been hiding from me because he knows we are trying to serve him an eviction notice (summons, complaint, and show cause). The attorney I consulted with told me that personal delivery is the only method and I felt so hopeless because we are running out of time.

Posted 5 months ago.

Mimosa's Comment: Well...I follow this instruction and used the post and mail method, but the judge dismissed my case this morning in Everett, WA. because he said I need the court order to mail an Eviction Notice. Did I get the mean judge or the service methods mentioned here only work for some area in Washington, but not all? I am just so frustrated that the law is trying to protect society trouble makers rather than the decent ones who try to make an honest living.

Travis Eller

Avvo Rating: 8.1 (Excellent)

Posted 4 days ago.

Lawyer's Comment: This is my legal guide. It does NOT apply to the summons, complaint, or any other pleadings. "Eviction Notice" refers only to pre-lawsuit notices such as pay or vacate, etc. The landlord may NOT serve the summons and complaint. That must be by a third party. The summons and complaint must be PERSONALLY served absent court order.