General information only, not legal advice. Laws change. Verify requirements with a licensed attorney or the statute before acting. Last reviewed: June 2026.

Notice to Vacate · WA

Washington notice to vacate law

Required notice periods for month-to-month tenancies in Washington, cited to RCW § 59.18.200 (tenant); RCW § 59.18.650 (landlord just cause).

At a glance

Tenant notice
20 days
Landlord notice
Varies by cause (just cause required; RCW § 59.18.650)
Just cause required
Yes (Washington requires landlords to have just cause to terminate any residential tenancy (RCW § 59.18.650, eff. 2021). No-cause 20-day notice is no longer available to landlords; notice period depends on the specific qualifying reason. Tenants retain the right to give 20 days' notice.)
Statute
RCW § 59.18.200 (tenant); RCW § 59.18.650 (landlord just cause)
Last reviewed
June 2026

Frequently asked questions

How much notice must a tenant give to end a month-to-month lease in Washington?

In Washington, a tenant must provide 20 days written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. (RCW § 59.18.200 (tenant); RCW § 59.18.650 (landlord just cause), last reviewed June 2026.)

How much notice must a landlord give to end a month-to-month tenancy in Washington?

In Washington, a landlord must give Varies by cause (just cause required; RCW § 59.18.650) written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. (RCW § 59.18.200 (tenant); RCW § 59.18.650 (landlord just cause).) Washington requires landlords to have just cause to terminate any residential tenancy (RCW § 59.18.650, eff. 2021). No-cause 20-day notice is no longer available to landlords; notice period depends on the specific qualifying reason. Tenants retain the right to give 20 days' notice.

Does Washington require just cause to end a month-to-month tenancy?

Yes. Washington requires landlords to have just cause to terminate any residential tenancy (RCW § 59.18.650, eff. 2021). No-cause 20-day notice is no longer available to landlords; notice period depends on the specific qualifying reason. Tenants retain the right to give 20 days' notice.

Stay compliant automatically

Tenanture checks your replies and screening against the rules where you operate, so deadlines and required disclosures don't slip through the cracks.