Washington Notice to Vacate: Notice Periods and Rules

In Washington, tenants give at least 20 days written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, and landlords need a legal reason to end most tenancies. For unpaid rent, the notice period is 14 days. The details, exceptions and statute citations are below.

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Washington notice periods at a glance

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy20 days
Rev. Code Wash. § 59.18.200(1)(a)
Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancyA landlord needs a legal reason (just cause); there is no no-reason notice for most tenancies
Rev. Code Wash. § 59.18.650(1)(a)
Longer tenancies and special casesOwner move-in or sale of a single-family home: 90 days; 'other good cause', 4+ violations in 12 months, or sex-offender registration: 60 days; condo conversion, demolition, substantial rehab or change of use: 120 days (RCW 59.18.650(2), 59.18.200(2)).
Notice for unpaid rent14 days
Rev. Code Wash. § 59.12.030(3); § 59.18.057
End of a fixed-term leaseA landlord may let a fixed-term lease end without cause only if the first lease ran 12 months or more (or successive leases of 6+ months back to back), it never went month-to-month, and the landlord gives at least 60 days' written notice before the term ends (RCW 59.18.650(1)(c)); a 6-12 month lease that rolls into month-to-month can be ended at the end of the first term only with 60 days' notice (§ 59.18.650(1)(b)).
How notice can be deliveredPersonal delivery; or leaving a copy with a person of suitable age and discretion at the premises and mailing a copy; or, if no one is there, posting in a conspicuous place and mailing a copy. When mail is used, 5 extra days are added before filing (Rev. Code Wash. § 59.12.040).

Since May 2021 a landlord may end a periodic tenancy only for one of the causes listed in RCW 59.18.650(2) (nonpayment, breach, nuisance, owner move-in, sale, etc.), each with its own notice period.

A tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy must give written notice at least 20 days before the end of a rental period. Seattle, Tacoma, Burien and some other cities add stricter local just-cause and notice rules; separately, rent increases need at least 90 days' written notice (RCW 59.18.140).

What a Washington notice to vacate should include

  • The names of every tenant on the lease and the full address, including unit number
  • The date you are giving the notice and the date the tenancy ends
  • A move-out date that gives at least the minimum notice above, counted from the day the notice is delivered
  • For unpaid rent: the exact amount owed and how to pay it
  • Your name, signature and contact details
  • A record of how and when you delivered it (keep a copy)

Many month-to-month notices must also end on the last day of a rental period, so if rent is due on the 1st, the safest move-out date is the end of a month. Giving more notice than the minimum is fine; giving less usually makes the notice invalid.

Washington notice to vacate FAQ

How much notice does a tenant have to give in Washington?

For a month-to-month tenancy, at least 20 days in writing (Rev. Code Wash. § 59.18.200(1)(a)). If you have a fixed-term lease, check the lease: it may require notice before the end date or renew automatically.

How much notice does a landlord have to give in Washington?

Washington does not let landlords end most tenancies without a legal reason. Since May 2021 a landlord may end a periodic tenancy only for one of the causes listed in RCW 59.18.650(2) (nonpayment, breach, nuisance, owner move-in, sale, etc.), each with its own notice period.

What is the notice period for unpaid rent in Washington?

The tenant gets 14 days to pay or move out (Rev. Code Wash. § 59.12.030(3); § 59.18.057). If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction case; only a court can order the tenant out.

How do you deliver a notice to vacate in Washington?

Personal delivery; or leaving a copy with a person of suitable age and discretion at the premises and mailing a copy; or, if no one is there, posting in a conspicuous place and mailing a copy. When mail is used, 5 extra days are added before filing (Rev. Code Wash. § 59.12.040).

Do I need to give notice at the end of a fixed-term lease in Washington?

A landlord may let a fixed-term lease end without cause only if the first lease ran 12 months or more (or successive leases of 6+ months back to back), it never went month-to-month, and the landlord gives at least 60 days' written notice before the term ends (RCW 59.18.650(1)(c)); a 6-12 month lease that rolls into month-to-month can be ended at the end of the first term only with 60 days' notice (§ 59.18.650(1)(b)).

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Sources

Checked October 2026. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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