Do this today
- Keep the paper. Photograph every page.
- Write the date, time, and how it arrived.
- Look for King County Superior Court — unlawful detainer, a case number, or an appearance date.
- If a court is named, call legal aid the same day. Do not guess the deadline.
What were you handed?
| The paper | What it usually is | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord notice | A step before a court case. Not a judgment, and not a lockout. | Date it. Keep the original. Write down how it arrived. Check whether it offers a chance to fix the problem. |
| Court papers | A case has been filed. A court name, case number, or appearance date is running. | Call legal aid the same day. Do not ignore it. Bring the papers and a timeline of how you received them. |
| Lockout or shutoff | Locks changed, belongings moved, or utilities cut on an occupied unit. | Call 211 and legal aid today. In most states a landlord may not do this personally. Police non-emergency can document it. |
Is a notice in Seattle the same as being evicted?
No. A written landlord notice is a step. King County Superior Court — unlawful detainer is where a possession case is heard. Papers that name a court, a case number, or an appearance date mean a case has been filed — that is same-day legal-aid work. Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter.
What should I be careful not to do?
Do not ignore court papers. Do not assume a lockout is lawful because a notice looks official. Do not sign a move-out or cash-for-keys paper you have not read with an advocate. Renting in Seattle is not a substitute for legal aid once a case is filed.
What does Seattle add on top of Washington law?
The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city.
Where are evictions heard in Seattle?
King County Superior Court hears unlawful detainer cases. A landlord notice is not a judgment. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day. City ordinances do not replace that court.
The Seattle layer
Seattle has local just-cause and rental-housing rules on top of RCW 59.18. Confirm coverage with the City, then the state chapter.
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Wash. Rev. Code §§ 59.18.010 to 59.18.912) is the Washington floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Seattle questions
Can my landlord in Seattle evict me without going to court?
No. Changing locks or shutting off utilities is not how possession is completed. King County Superior Court — unlawful detainer is the court. If the paper names it, call legal aid the same day.
How long does an eviction notice last in Seattle?
That number is in Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and it can depend on the reason, the housing type, and any local ordinance. This site does not reprint it. Open the chapter or call legal aid with the paper in your hand.
What does Seattle add on top of Washington law?
The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) is statewide. Seattle’s local ordinances add just-cause, notice, and relocation rules for many tenancies inside the city. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Renting in Seattle desk are the City doors. Tacoma’s ordinances are a different city.
Where are evictions heard in Seattle?
King County Superior Court hears unlawful detainer cases. A landlord notice is not a judgment. If the paper names a court, call legal aid the same day. City ordinances do not replace that court.
What number should I call in Seattle?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Renting in Seattle does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org