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Evictions (writs of restitution)
An eviction (Writ of Restitution) involves a tenant being ordered by the court to leave a residence. The court follows the tenant-landlord act of the State of Washington. More information about these laws can be found at the Revised Code of Washington RCW 59.12, RCW 59.18, and RCW 59.20.
Alert:
Due to unit staffing shortages coupled with the hazardous nature of the orders we're receiving, we need approximately 90 days to serve and enforce the writ. Extension language in the writ or an order allowing us additional time, will be necessary. Writs returnable to court within 10 or 20 days of issuance, will likely not be enforced.
Page 3 of the DATA form must be signed by the owner, landlord or property manager only at the time of the physical eviction!
Basic Steps
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Obtain court order to evict a tenant
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Fill out Eviction Data Form
Landlord wishing to pursue an eviction should fill out this form before contacting the Civil Unit for processing.
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Provide all items listed on the Writ of Restitution Intake Sheet
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Tenant will be served
- Detectives will serve the tenant or post a residence with a writ of restitution or court order. If the tenant has not moved by the date on the writ of restitution or court order, the detectives will assist the landlord in evicting the tenant.
- The detective's assistance will include enforcing the court order and ensuring the peace.
- The landlord is responsible for providing the moving crew and all other needed items. Landlords are encouraged to contact the detective prior to the physical eviction.
- There are some exceptions which can be found under the RCW links above
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Additional information
Acceptable payment methods
- Cash
- Check or Money order
- Check or money order should be made payable to "King County Sheriff." No 2nd party checks are accepted
- ACH (eChecks) and Debit/Credit cards will be accepted ONLY at the King County Courthouse (516 Third Ave, Seattle) Location
- Fee for ACH (eCheck) payments - flat fee $1.00 per eCheck processed
- Fee for Credit/Debit cards - 2.35% of the total due, with a minimum fee charge of $2.00