Eviction / Writ of Restitution

A Writ of Restitution (eviction) is an order from the court directing the Sheriff to restore premises to the plaintiff. RCW 59.18 is the residential Landlord - Tenant Act and RCW 59.12 pertains to non-residential property (commercial) and wrongfully held real property (foreclosures, for example). Writs issued under RCW 59.18 are good for 10 days and those filed under RCW 59.12 are good for 20 days. If necessary, a writ can be extended by the plaintiff or attorney.

After obtaining a court order to evict a tenant, a landlord wishing to pursue an eviction should bring the below listed documents to the Sheriff's Civil Division.  Upon receiving the documents, Deputies will post either a three day or five day Notice to Vacate, at the residence.  Once the proper number of days have passed, the Civil Division will call the landlord or designee to schedule the physical eviction.  It is the landlord's responsibility to have a locksmith and a plan to deal with any property left behind by the tenant(s).  

Required Documents

Necessary Information

When filling out the Tenant Information Sheet, the following must be provided:

  • Direct cell phone numbers for the designee meeting the deputies at the eviction. If deputies are unable to contact the designee, the eviction will not move forward.
  • If a property is secured, please provide SCSO Civil Unit with the gate code or key with the Writ of Restitution for deputy entry to post the writ.

TENANTS: Upon receipt of Order of Stay, Tenant MUST immediately bring the Order of Stay to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office Civil Unit located in the Public Safety Building. Address and phone number are above on this page. 

*It CANNOT be handed to the Deputy at the time of eviction.*

 

The Civil Division cannot offer legal advice.


RESOURCES:

Washington Law Help

Northwest Justice Project