As a business and legal template writer with over a decade of experience drafting landlord-tenant documents across the United States, I’ve helped thousands of Washington landlords serve legally compliant notices. One of the most common requests I receive is for a notice to quit Washington State or Washington notice to vacate that actually meets the strict requirements of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) and the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.20).
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a free, attorney-reviewed Washington State notice to vacate template (updated for 2025), explain when to use a 10-day notice to comply, 20-day notice to terminate, or other variations, and walk you through serving it correctly so your eviction case isn’t dismissed for technical errors. Everything is sourced directly from IRS.gov (for tax-related lease issues when applicable) and the official Washington State statutes and courts.
In Washington, the term “notice to quit” is often used interchangeably with “notice to vacate,” but the state prefers the statutory language found in RCW 59.18.650. A notice to quit Washington State is a written document that informs a tenant they must either remedy a lease violation or vacate the premises within a specific timeframe. Failure to do either allows the landlord to file an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit.
Washington is one of the most tenant-friendly states in the nation, so using the exact wording, timelines, and delivery methods required by law is critical.
| Type of Notice | Legal Name | Minimum Days | Most Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Notice to Comply or Vacate | 10-Day Comply or Vacate (RCW 59.18.650(2)(a)) | 10 days | Lease violations (pets, unauthorized occupants, minor damage) |
| 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate | 3-Day Pay or Vacate (RCW 59.18.650(2)(c)) | 3 days | Non-payment of rent |
| 20-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy | 20-Day No-Cause (month-to-month only) | 20 days | Ending month-to-month tenancy (restrictions apply in many cities) |
| 120-Day Notice (Seattle & some cities) | Local just-cause requirement | 120+ days | Required in rent-control cities after first year |
Below is my most popular free downloadable template — a combined 10-day notice to comply or vacate Washington State that also works for pay-or-vacate situations (just change the violation section). It is compliant with RCW 59.18.057 and RCW 59.18.200.
Download Free Washington State Notice to Vacate Template (Word .docx)
Download Free Washington State Notice to Vacate Template (PDF)
NOTICE TO COMPLY WITH RENTAL AGREEMENT OR VACATE PREMISES
Pursuant to RCW 59.18.650
Date: [Insert Date]
To: [Tenant Full Name(s)]
Address: [Full Rental Address, City, WA ZIP]
You are hereby notified that you are in substantial violation of the rental agreement/material provision of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act for the following reason(s):
You are required to remedy the above violation(s) within TEN (10) DAYS after service of this notice or vacate and surrender the premises. If you remedy the violation within ten days, the tenancy will continue. If you fail to remedy and fail to vacate, legal action will be initiated to recover possession.
Certificate of Service: I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that on [date] I served this notice by: [ ] First-class mail + posting [ ] Personal delivery [ ] Certified mail return receipt
Signature: ___________________________ Date: ____________
Landlord/Agent: [Your Name & Contact Info]
Washington courts throw out eviction cases for improper service more than almost any other reason. Follow these steps exactly:
Can I use a 10-day notice for non-payment of rent?
No. Non-payment requires a 14-day notice under the new 2023 law (SB 5160), unless the lease was signed before July 23, 2023 — then 3-day still applies to existing leases.
Do I need to accept partial rent after serving notice?
Accepting full rent plus fees waives the notice. Partial payment does not automatically waive it, but document everything.
Is there still a statewide eviction moratorium?
No, the COVID moratorium ended in 2021, but many local protections remain.
I’ve spent years refining this exact template based on feedback from Washington landlords and eviction attorneys. It includes all required statutory language, optional fields for the most common violations, and a built-in proof of service.
Click here to download the free 2025 Washington Notice to Quit / Notice to Vacate Template (Word)
Click here to download the PDF version
Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Washington attorney or local legal aid for your specific situation. Sources: RCW 59.18, RCW 59.20, Washington State Courts, IRS Publication 527 (for tax implications of security deposits).
Have questions about your specific eviction situation in Washington? Drop a comment below — I personally answer as many as I can.