What notice is required to evict a tenant?

Q: What happens if your roommate doesn't pay?

If your roommate doesn't pay their share of the rent, you may be responsible for covering the full rent to avoid eviction. You can discuss the situation with your roommate to find a solution. If they continue to not pay, you may need to consider legal options, such as small claims court, to recover the unpaid rent.

Q: What happens if one person on a lease doesn't pay rent?

When one person on a lease fails to pay rent, the landlord can seek payment from any or all tenants listed on the lease. This means that the landlord may initiate eviction proceedings against all tenants if the rent remains unpaid. It's advisable to address the issue directly with the non-paying tenant.

Q: How much notice does a tenant have to give a landlord to move out in Washington State?

In Washington State, tenants must provide at least 20 days' written notice before moving out if they are on a month-to-month lease. For fixed-term leases, tenants should check their lease agreement for specific notice requirements. Failure to provide proper notice may result in the tenant being responsible for additional rent.

Q: What happens if my roommate moves out and stops paying rent?

If your roommate moves out and stops paying rent, you may be responsible for the full rent amount to avoid eviction. It's important to communicate with your landlord about the situation. You may also consider seeking compensation from your former roommate through legal means if they are still on the lease.

Full question:

I have leased out a property in Washington and my tenant does not pay the rent on time. Can I evict the tenant? Do I need to give any notice before I do so?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Washington

Answer:

Per Washington State law, if a tenant does not pay the rent on time, the landlord must warn the tenant to make the payment or leave from the premises within 10 days’ time. If the tenant makes the payment within that period of time the landlord cannot evict the tenant. Otherwise the lease or tenancy will be terminated at the end of 10 days and the landlord may evict the tenant thereafter.
The statutory provision in this regard is explained in Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 59.04.040, which reads
“When a tenant fails to pay rent when the same is due, and the landlord notifies him or her to pay said rent or quit the premises within ten days, unless the rent is paid within said ten days, the tenancy shall be forfeited at the end of said ten days.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What happens if another person on the lease doesn't pay rent?

If one tenant on a lease doesn't pay rent, the landlord can still hold all tenants responsible for the full rent amount. This means that the landlord can pursue eviction against all tenants if the rent is not paid. It's important to communicate with all tenants to resolve the issue, as the lease typically binds all parties equally.

What happens if your roommate doesn't pay?

What happens if one person on a lease doesn't pay rent?

How much notice does a tenant have to give a landlord to move out in Washington State?

How do I evict a non-paying tenant in Washington State?

To evict a non-paying tenant in Washington State, first provide a written notice to pay rent or vacate the property within ten days. If the tenant does not pay within that time, you can file an eviction lawsuit. Ensure you follow all legal procedures, including court filings and hearings, to complete the eviction process properly.