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 behind 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 for paying rent or vacating the premises is typically 14 days, as per the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of Washington (RCW 59.12.030). If the tenant fails to comply with the notice by either paying the rent or vacating, the landlord may then proceed with filing an eviction lawsuit (unlawful detainer action) in court. It's important for both landlords and tenants to understand that the eviction process is regulated by state law, and specific procedures must be followed to ensure the action is legal. Tenants facing such notices may wish to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and options under Washington law.