Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12 § 59.12.230
Forcible entry and detainer -- Penalty.
Operative Text
Every person who shall unlawfully use, or encourage or assist another in unlawfully using, any force or violence in entering upon or detaining any lands or other possessions of another; and every person who, having removed or been removed therefrom pursuant to the order or direction of any court, tribunal or officer, shall afterwards return to settle or reside unlawfully upon, or take possession of, such lands or possessions, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Washington's forcible entry and detainer statute, Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.230, makes it a misdemeanor to use or assist in using unlawful force or violence to enter or hold onto someone else's land or property. It also criminalizes returning to occupy property after a court, tribunal, or officer has ordered a person removed from it. The provision applies to anyone who participates in such conduct, whether as a primary actor or as someone who encourages or assists another.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.230, property owners and managers who need to recover possession of a rental unit are expected to pursue lawful legal channels — such as the formal unlawful detainer process — rather than using force, threats, or self-help measures to remove or exclude occupants. Operators who encourage or assist others in using unlawful force to retake a property may face misdemeanor liability under this same provision. Compliant operators document court orders and work with appropriate authorities when enforcing any judgment for possession.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.230 provides a criminal-law backdrop that prohibits landlords or others from using unlawful force or violence to enter or retake a rental property. If a tenant believes a landlord or third party has used force or threats to remove them or seize possession outside of a lawful court process, that conduct may constitute a misdemeanor under this provision. Tenants in that situation may consider contacting local law enforcement, reaching out to a tenant-rights organization, or consulting with a legal aid office to understand what remedies or defenses may be available.
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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