Eviction in Pierce County (Tacoma), Washington

Where eviction cases are filed in Pierce County (Tacoma), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Pierce County (Tacoma)

Eviction court: Pierce County Superior Court - Civil Division A (Commissioner Court) — Superior court (unlawful detainer) Court page
Filing fee: $135 residential unlawful detainer filing; +$112 when answer filed / order other than default; $247 counterclaim; $290 non-residential RCW 36.18.020(2)(a), (5)(c), (6); RCW 36.18.012 (statewide superior court fees)
Notice before filing (state law): 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate, in the statutory form. Washington rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,971/month HUD
Renter households: 123,930 (35% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22

Where eviction cases are filed in Pierce County (Tacoma)

Eviction cases in Pierce County (Tacoma) are heard by the Pierce County Superior Court - Civil Division A (Commissioner Court) (Superior court (unlawful detainer)).

County-City Building - Superior Court Clerk's Office (Room 110) — 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402 · website

Court eviction page · E-filing · Search court records · Self-help center

Evictions are filed with the Superior Court Clerk's Office. Unlawful detainer actions are heard in Civil Division A (Room 100, in person or by Zoom), Monday-Friday at 1:00 pm; the moving party dockets the hearing by e-filing a Note for Commissioner's Calendar through LINX (self-represented parties can get a LINX account or use the Clerk's kiosk).

How much it costs to file an eviction in Pierce County (Tacoma)

$135 residential unlawful detainer filing; +$112 when answer filed / order other than default; $247 counterclaim; $290 non-residential

Statewide amount: $45 unlawful detainer fee (RCW 36.18.020(2)(a)) plus $40 and $50 surcharges (RCW 36.18.020(5)(c), (6)) = $135. An additional $112 is due when an answer is filed or an order other than a default is sought (RCW 36.18.012); counterclaims $247; non-residential UD $290. Fee waivers available on a showing of indigency (GR 34).

Source: RCW 36.18.020(2)(a), (5)(c), (6); RCW 36.18.012 (statewide superior court fees)

How eviction cases work locally

Hearing scheduling	UD hearings Monday-Friday 1:00 pm in Civil Division A; docketed by e-filed Note for Commissioner's Calendar. Source: Official source
Pre-filing Eviction Resolution Pilot Program ended	Washington's mandatory Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) ran Nov 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023 and ended by statute July 1, 2023; landlords no longer must offer ERPP before filing for unpaid rent. Source: Official source

The Washington eviction process

Washington state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Pierce County (Tacoma):

Serve the required notice (14-day pay-or-vacate in statutory form, 10-day comply-or-vacate, or other just-cause notice under RCW 59.18.650)
Serve the eviction summons (statutory form, RCW 59.18.365) and complaint; tenant must respond in writing by the deadline in the summons
Court issues an order to show cause; show cause hearing held not less than 7 nor more than 30 days after service of the order (RCW 59.18.370)
Judgment for possession / writ of restitution; in nonpayment cases execution is delayed five court days and the tenant may be reinstated by paying the judgment amount (RCW 59.18.410)
Sheriff serves and executes the writ of restitution; tenant may request storage of property within three days after service of the writ (RCW 59.18.312)

Full Washington eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Pierce County (Tacoma)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Tacoma, WA HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$1,428
1 bedroom	$1,605
2 bedrooms	$1,971
3 bedrooms	$2,733
4 bedrooms	$3,102

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Pierce County (Tacoma): $1,806/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level tenant ordinance identified; city rules (e.g. Tacoma) are separate.

Eviction help in Pierce County (Tacoma)

Free legal help

Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers - Housing Justice Project — Appointed Counsel Team represents low-income tenants served with an unlawful detainer summons and complaint in Pierce County; attend your show cause hearing so counsel can be appointed.
Eviction Defense Screening Line (statewide, Northwest Justice Project) — 1-855-657-8387 or apply online. Screens tenants for appointed counsel under RCW 59.18.640; tenants qualify if income is under 200% of the federal poverty level or they receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, food assistance, Apple Health, etc.).

Right to counsel: Statewide right to appointed counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer cases (RCW 59.18.640), administered and funded by the Washington Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) through contracted legal aid providers. The court must advise unrepresented tenants of the right. Pierce County appointed-counsel provider: Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers' Housing Justice Project (per OCLA oversight report listing and HJP's own site). Source

Rental assistance

Pierce County Eviction Prevention program (Human Services) — Past-due rent help for eligible low-income Pierce County renters with an eviction notice; recipients chosen by monthly lottery (10th of each month).

Other Washington counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Pierce County (Tacoma)?

Eviction cases in Pierce County (Tacoma) are filed with the Pierce County Superior Court - Civil Division A (Commissioner Court).

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Pierce County (Tacoma)?

$135 residential unlawful detainer filing; +$112 when answer filed / order other than default; $247 counterclaim; $290 non-residential.

Where can I get help with an eviction in Pierce County (Tacoma)?

Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers - Housing Justice Project; Eviction Defense Screening Line (statewide, Northwest Justice Project); Pierce County Eviction Prevention program (Human Services).

What is the fair market rent in Pierce County (Tacoma)?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,971 per month (1-bedroom: $1,605).

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.