Evicting a bad tenant in Washington costs ~$8,428.
How Washington handles evictions
Just-cause eviction statewide as of 2021.
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail, the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
Washington eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in Washington?
TenantFort estimates a contested eviction in Washington at around $8,428 all-in: a $83 filing fee, roughly 1.7 months of lost rent ($3,145 at a typical $1,850/mo), plus legal fees, property damage beyond the deposit, and turnover costs, using national planning figures for those three. Uncontested cases cost less.
How long does an eviction take in Washington?
Roughly 50 days (~7 weeks) from notice to lockout, as an estimate; contested cases take longer. Just-cause eviction statewide as of 2021.
How much is the eviction filing fee in Washington?
$83, filed with the Superior Court. Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in Washington?
Evictions in Washington are handled by the Superior Court.
Sources & methodology
The filing fee is the Superior Court's published fee; it has not yet been checked against the official fee schedule for this page, so confirm it with the court before you file. The timeline and typical rent are estimates. Property damage ($2,500), legal fees ($1,200) and turnover ($1,500) are round planning figures, the same for every state, not costs measured in Washington. Real costs vary by county, whether the tenant contests, and the market.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.