The reason for eviction dictates the type of notice that landlords serve tenants. An eviction notice must first be served properly and the tenant must have failed to comply, pay, or vacate within the specified timeframe. This is not a complete list, but the most common notices to vacate are:
- 14-day notice to pay or vacate
- 10-day notice to comply with the terms of the rental agreement or vacate
- 3-day notice for waste or nuisance
- 20-day notice to terminate tenancy (a “no cause” notice)
Landlords cannot terminate tenancies for reasons that are discriminatory or retaliatory. Retaliation is illegal in Washington state, as is discrimination on the basis of any protected class status, such as race, gender or disability. Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants who use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or other forms of government assistance to pay their rent.