3-Day Notice To Pay Rent Or Vacate Premises (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVING AN EVICTION NOTICE IN WASHINGTON

These instructions are for general information and not a substitute for legal advice.

Service of notices is strictly construed against the landlord. Even if you can prove the tenant

actually received the notice, failure to strictly adhere to the service methods will result in

dismissal of the eviction action. There are three acceptable means to serve a notice on a tenant.

1. Delivering a copy personally to each adult occupant; or

2. Substitute service on some person of suitable age and discretion AND mailing a copy (or

combined copies) so that each adult occupant receives a copy; or

3. If neither the tenant nor a person of suitable age and discretion is present then affixing a

copy of the notice in a conspicuous place on the premises AND mailing a copy (or

combined copies) so that each adult occupant receives a copy.

Always knock first. A good tenant attorney might cross-examine the landlord witness as to

whether the notice was posted without inquiring if anyone was present. If so, the case will be

dismissed.

Mailing. Mailing means using the United States Postal Service regular first class mail, unless

the lease specifies that notices must be sent by certified mail. Mailing alone is NEVER

sufficient, and is used in conjunction with alternative service as outlined in Nos. 2 and 3 above.

When mailing is required, one day is added by rule before the landlord can take further action.

Mail from the same county where the property is located.

More than one occupant. If there is more than one person living in the property it is important

to serve enough copies for each person. If someone answers the door, hand that person enough

copies of the notice for everyone and mail copies to each occupant. Likewise if posting a copy,

mail copies to each occupant. This does not mean each tenant separately named on individual

notices. It means exact copies of one notice, each of which lists the names of all tenants. Do

not name unauthorized occupants, but DO serve enough copies to account for them.

Rent. Do not demand deposits, utilities, or other non-rent items on the 3-day pay rent or vacate

notice. These items should be on a notice to comply or vacate.

Do not serve these instructions on the tenant.

3-Day Notice To Pay Rent Or Vacate Premises Page 2