Wash. Rev. Code § 59.04 § 59.04.040
Ten-day notice to pay rent or quit premises.
Operative Text
When a tenant fails to pay rent when the same is due, and the landlord notifies him or her to pay said rent or quit the premises within ten days, unless the rent is paid within said ten days, the tenancy shall be forfeited at the end of said ten days.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.04.040, when a tenant does not pay rent on time, a landlord may serve a written notice requiring the tenant to either pay the overdue rent or vacate the premises within ten days. If the full rent is not paid within that ten-day window, the tenancy is legally forfeited at the end of that period. This provision establishes the procedural trigger that can lead to termination of a month-to-month or other tenancy covered by § 59.04.010 et seq.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.04.040 generally ensure that any ten-day pay-or-quit notice is served promptly after rent becomes overdue and clearly states the amount owed and the deadline to pay or vacate. Compliant operators typically keep records of when and how the notice was delivered, as proper service is a foundational element of any subsequent unlawful-detainer proceeding. Operators also remain aware that accepting partial rent or other conduct after serving the notice may affect the legal status of the forfeiture.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.04.040 means that a tenant who receives a ten-day pay-or-quit notice has a full ten days to pay all overdue rent and avoid forfeiture of the tenancy. Tenants may wish to document any payment made within that period and retain proof of delivery to the landlord. Those who believe a notice was improperly served, that the rent amount stated is incorrect, or that other defenses apply can explore options through a local tenant-rights organization or by raising the issue as a defense if an unlawful-detainer action is filed in court.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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