Notice Requirements for Seattle Tenants
Under RCW § 59.18.200, tenants in Seattle must provide their landlord with 20 days written notice before vacating. This applies to month-to-month tenancies. Fixed-term leases typically do not require notice to vacate at the end of the term unless specified in the lease.
In a large rental market like Seattle, many landlords rely on automated billing — your written notice ensures proper processing of your move-out and starts the deposit return clock.
What to Include in Your Seattle Notice to Vacate
- Your full name and rental address in Seattle
- The date of notice (today's date)
- Your intended move-out date (at least 20 days out)
- A request for move-out inspection
- Your forwarding address (important to start the deposit return clock)
- Your signature
How to Properly Deliver Your Notice in Seattle
The safest delivery method in Seattle is certified mail with return receipt. This creates a legal record showing when your landlord received the notice. The 20-day notice period starts from the date of delivery (or postmark for certified mail under RCW § 59.18.200).
Personal delivery with a witness, or leaving it with a responsible adult at the property, is also acceptable under Washington law.
Notice to Vacate vs. Eviction Notice in Seattle
A notice to vacate is written by the tenant to the landlord, announcing your intent to leave. An eviction notice is issued by the landlord to the tenant. These are legally distinct — giving proper notice to vacate protects your deposit and prevents wrongful eviction claims.
See: Washington Notice to Vacate — Full Guide | Security Deposit Returns in Washington