A notice to pay rent or quit—also known as an eviction notice or notice to vacate due to late rent—is a written letter demanding a tenant who is late paying rent (1) pay the rent by a certain date or (2) quit (leave or vacate) the premises.
In Washington State, a 'notice to pay rent or quit' is a legal document that a landlord can serve to a tenant who is late on their rent. This notice informs the tenant that they must either pay the overdue rent by a specified deadline or vacate the rental property. The notice period required by Washington law is typically 14 days, as per the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18.057). If the tenant fails to pay the rent within the 14-day period and does not vacate the premises, the landlord may proceed with filing an eviction lawsuit, also known as an unlawful detainer action, in court. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand their rights and obligations under the law, and tenants facing such notices may benefit from seeking advice from an attorney to explore their options.