Washington Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (14-Day)
Create a free Washington notice to pay rent or quit. Washington requires a 14-day notice to pay rent or quit. Fill in the details, preview it live, and download a PDF or email it.
Washington requirement
Washington requires a 14-day notice to pay rent or quit. 14-day "Notice to Pay or Vacate" for residential tenancies under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). The mandatory statutory form (RCW 59.18.057) requires payment 'within fourteen (14) days after service of this notice.' Days are calendar days, but if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday it extends to the next non-holiday day (RCW 59.12.040 / 1.12.040). The generic 3-day pay-or-quit in RCW 59.12.030(3) applies only to non-residential/commercial tenancies; residential tenants (chapter 59.18 RCW) get 14 days.
Tenant Name(s)
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⚠ Washington requires a 14-day notice for a notice to pay rent or quit; the count runs from the date of SERVICE, and some states exclude weekends/holidays — verify before relying on a date. 14-day "Notice to Pay or Vacate" for residential tenancies under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). The mandatory statutory form (RCW 59.18.057) requires payment 'within fourteen (14) days after service of this notice.' Days are calendar days, but if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday it extends to the next non-holiday day (RCW 59.12.040 / 1.12.040). The generic 3-day pay-or-quit in RCW 59.12.030(3) applies only to non-residential/commercial tenancies; residential tenants (chapter 59.18 RCW) get 14 days.
Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (Washington)
NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
Date of Notice: ________________
From (Landlord/Agent): [LANDLORD/AGENT NAME], [LANDLORD ADDRESS]
To: [TENANT NAME(S)], Tenant(s) in possession of: [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that rent is now due and unpaid in the amount of $________. This amount is for unpaid RENT only and excludes late fees, utilities, and other charges unless your state and lease allow them.
You are required to PAY the full amount of rent due within 14 days after this notice is served on you, OR to vacate and surrender possession of the property. Payment must be made to [LANDLORD/AGENT NAME] at [LANDLORD ADDRESS], by cash, check, or money order. If you mail payment, it must be RECEIVED by the deadline.
If you do not comply with this notice within the time stated, the landlord may begin legal proceedings to recover possession of the property under RCW 59.18.650 (just cause); RCW 59.12.030 (unlawful detainer notices); RCW 59.18.057 (mandatory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice form); RCW 59.12.040 (service).
Only a court can order you to move out. The landlord may NOT lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off your utilities; doing so is illegal.
This notice is given without waiving, and the landlord expressly reserves, all other rights and remedies, including the right to recover unpaid rent and damages.
How this notice may be served: Service per RCW 59.12.040: (1) personal delivery to the tenant; or (2) if the tenant is absent from the rental, leaving a copy with a person of suitable age and discretion residing there AND mailing a copy to the tenant at the premises; or (3) if neither can be found, posting the notice in a conspicuous place on the premises AND mailing a copy to the tenant. Posting alone is insufficient — it must be paired with mailing. RCW 59.18.650 requires all notices to be served consistent with RCW 59.12.040 and to state the facts supporting the cause with enough specificity for the tenant to prepare a defense.
_______________________________________
[LANDLORD/AGENT NAME] — Landlord / Authorized Agent
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
Date: ________________
PROOF OF SERVICE
I served this notice on the tenant(s) on ____________ (date).
Method of service (use a method permitted in your state — see the service note above):
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________ Date: ____________
Signature of person serving the notice
Email yourself a copy (PDF)
Self-help template, not legal advice. You cannot remove a tenant yourself — serve a proper notice and, if needed, file in court. Confirm Washington and local rules first.
Washington Notice to Pay Rent or Quit Rules
A Notice to Pay Rent or Quit is the first step a landlord takes when a tenant has not paid rent. It demands that the tenant pay the full amount owed within the state's required number of days or move out, before the landlord can file for eviction.
Washington requires a 14-day notice to pay rent or quit. 14-day "Notice to Pay or Vacate" for residential tenancies under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). The mandatory statutory form (RCW 59.18.057) requires payment 'within fourteen (14) days after service of this notice.' Days are calendar days, but if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday it extends to the next non-holiday day (RCW 59.12.040 / 1.12.040). The generic 3-day pay-or-quit in RCW 59.12.030(3) applies only to non-residential/commercial tenancies; residential tenants (chapter 59.18 RCW) get 14 days. The notice is served under RCW 59.18.650 (just cause); RCW 59.12.030 (unlawful detainer notices); RCW 59.18.057 (mandatory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice form); RCW 59.12.040 (service).
How to Serve a Notice to Pay Rent or Quit in Washington
Service per RCW 59.12.040: (1) personal delivery to the tenant; or (2) if the tenant is absent from the rental, leaving a copy with a person of suitable age and discretion residing there AND mailing a copy to the tenant at the premises; or (3) if neither can be found, posting the notice in a conspicuous place on the premises AND mailing a copy to the tenant. Posting alone is insufficient — it must be paired with mailing. RCW 59.18.650 requires all notices to be served consistent with RCW 59.12.040 and to state the facts supporting the cause with enough specificity for the tenant to prepare a defense. A defective notice or improper service can get an eviction dismissed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is a Washington notice to pay rent or quit?
Washington requires a 14-day notice to pay rent or quit. 14-day "Notice to Pay or Vacate" for residential tenancies under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). The mandatory statutory form (RCW 59.18.057) requires payment 'within fourteen (14) days after service of this notice.' Days are calendar days, but if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday it extends to the next non-holiday day (RCW 59.12.040 / 1.12.040). The generic 3-day pay-or-quit in RCW 59.12.030(3) applies only to non-residential/commercial tenancies; residential tenants (chapter 59.18 RCW) get 14 days.
What happens after I serve the notice?
If the tenant does not comply by the deadline, you can file an eviction case in Washington court. Only a court order, enforced by a sheriff or constable, can remove the tenant.
Can I email or download the notice?
Yes — fill in the form above, then download the PDF or email a copy to yourself. Serve it on the tenant using a method Washington allows.
Disclaimer
This Washington notice to pay rent or quit generator is a self-help tool for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Confirm Washington and local requirements before serving.