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Clark County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Washington landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Clark County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$45
Filing fee
3–5 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Clark County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Clark County — What Landlords Should Know

Clark County follows standard Washington eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Clark County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Clark County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Clark County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 14-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Washington law.

2

File Your Unlawful Detainer at Clark County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Clark County Courthouse (1200 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98660). The filing fee is $45. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Clark County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Clark County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Washington Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Washington.

Clark County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $45 Paid to Clark County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $30 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$26–$30 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Strongly recommended — strong tenant protections

Frequently Asked Questions — Clark County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Clark County?

The typical Clark County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Clark County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Clark County?

The court filing fee in Clark County is $45. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $101–$105.

What court handles evictions in Clark County?

Evictions in Clark County are filed at the Clark County Courthouse, located at 1200 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98660. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Clark County?

Yes, Clark County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Clark County?

Washington law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Clark County has strong tenant protections, making procedural errors costly — an attorney is strongly recommended.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Clark County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Clark County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Washington.

See full Washington eviction laws and notice requirements.

Washington Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Washington.

Washington Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Clark County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Clark County →

Relevant Washington Statutes