Evictions
See also: Just Cause Eviction Ordinance
What Is It?
Eviction is the legal process used by a landlord to make a tenant move out. To evict you, your landlord must file a civil law suit against you in the King County Superior Court.
If you are being evicted you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. The King County Bar Association Housing Justice Project is a good resource for you. If you are a landlord who wants to evict your tenant, you should consult a lawyer as well. The King County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service is a good place to start.
What It Isn't
We don’t have a role in the eviction process; it is a private legal matter between you and your landlord. We do, however, enforce City codes regarding the written notices your landlord must give you before beginning to evict you.
- Renter's Handbook (September 2022)
Rules to Follow
Your landlord must give you a written notice to move out before beginning the eviction process. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord’s written notice must state a valid reason for you to move as listed in Seattle’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.
Read the Code
- Seattle Municipal Code Section 22.205
- Just Cause Eviction Ordinance