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King County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Washington landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in King 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

🏛️ King County Courthouse Information

⚠️ King County — What Landlords Should Know

King County (Seattle) has strong tenant protections including Just Cause eviction and winter restrictions.

Need an Eviction Attorney in King County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in King 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 King County Superior Court

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the King County Superior Court (516 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98104). 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 King 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 King 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.

King County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $45 Paid to King 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 — King County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in King County?

The typical King 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. King County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

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

The court filing fee in King 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 King County?

Evictions in King County are filed at the King County Superior Court, located at 516 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in King County?

Yes, King 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 King County?

Washington law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, King 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 King County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The King 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 King County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in King County →

Relevant Washington Statutes