Washington Eviction filing fees
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Washington?
$45. In superior court, the plaintiff in an unlawful detainer (eviction) action under RCW 59.18 or 59.20 pays a $45 case-initiating filing fee instead of the usual $200. The $45 does not cover an order to show cause or other orders, except a default order or default judgment.
Verified Source: RCW 36.18.020(2)(a) · last checked 2026-10-31
What this means for landlords
Filing an eviction case in Washington costs money up front, and the verified rule above covers the court costs involved. Budget for these before you file, along with service of process and any attorney fees.
Step by step
- Confirm the right court for the property's county.
- Check the current fee schedule with the court clerk, since fees can change.
- Gather the lease, ledger and notice you served.
- File the complaint and pay the filing fee.
- Arrange service on the tenant and keep the proof of service.
- Ask the court about recovering costs if you win.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an old fee schedule.
- Filing in the wrong county or court.
- Forgetting the separate cost of serving the tenant.
- Filing before the pre-filing notice period ended.
Same topic in neighboring states
All Washington landlord-tenant law · Washington landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone)
Get alerts when Washington's landlord laws change
A short email when a rule on this site changes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.