Washington Notice to Vacate Rules
Washington rules on notice to vacate for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: Tenant: written notice of at least 20 days before the end of a rental period. Landlord: may NOT end a month-to-month/periodic tenancy without one of the just causes listed in RCW 59.18.650 (e.g., owner move-in or sale of single-family home: 90 days; RCW 59.18.200(1); RCW 59.18.650
The rules in Washington
| Ending a month-to-month lease | Tenant: written notice of at least 20 days before the end of a rental period. Landlord: may NOT end a month-to-month/periodic tenancy without one of the just causes listed in RCW 59.18.650 (e.g., owner move-in or sale of single-family home: 90 days; legitimate business reason: 60 days). Just-cause eviction law (2021 c 212). Condominium conversion or demolition/substantial rehab/change of use: 120 days' notice (RCW 59.18.200). Wrongful eviction remedy: greater of actual damages or three times monthly rent, plus fees. Source: RCW 59.18.200(1); RCW 59.18.650 |
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Free calculators
- Notice Deadline Calculator — Enter the date a notice was delivered and see the date it runs out under your state's law.
Templates
Related questions
- How much notice does a landlord have to give to end a lease or not renew?
- What are my rights without a written lease?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
Washington vs. neighboring states
| State | Ending a month-to-month lease |
|---|---|
| Washington | Tenant: written notice of at least 20 days before the end of a rental period. Landlord: may NOT end a month-to-month/periodic tenancy without one of the just causes listed in RCW 59.18.650 (e.g., owner move-in or sale of single-family home: 90 days; legitimate business reason: 60 days). RCW 59.18.200(1); RCW 59.18.650 |
| Idaho | Tenancy at will: landlord must give written notice of at least one month to vacate; tenant must give written notice at least one month before the stated move-out date. For residential leases, at least 30 days' written notice is also required before a rent increase or non-renewal takes effect. Idaho Code §§ 55-208, 55-304(2) |
| Oregon | Tenant: at least 30 days' written notice. Landlord, first year of occupancy: at least 30 days' notice without cause. Landlord after first year: only for tenant cause or a qualifying landlord reason (demolition/conversion, major repairs, owner or immediate family moving in, sale to owner-occupant) with at least 90 days' notice - or 60 days for an accepted purchase offer if one month's rent is paid with the notice. Landlords with an ownership interest in 5 or more residential dwelling units must pay a relocation payment of one month's rent with qualifying-reason notices (landlords with an interest in 4 or fewer units are exempt, ORS 90.427(6)(b)). Week-to-week: 10 days by either party. ORS 90.427 |
City rules that may add to state law
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- Free legal help in Washington
Compare notice to vacate in all 50 states and DC →
Washington Notice to Vacate Rules FAQ
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Washington?
Tenant: written notice of at least 20 days before the end of a rental period. Landlord: may NOT end a month-to-month/periodic tenancy without one of the just causes listed in RCW 59.18.650 (e.g., owner move-in or sale of single-family home: 90 days; legitimate business reason: 60 days). (RCW 59.18.200(1); RCW 59.18.650)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.