Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12 § 59.12.120
Judgment by default.
Operative Text
If on the date appointed in the summons the defendant does not appear or answer, the court shall render judgment in favor of the plaintiff as prayed for in the complaint.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.120, when a defendant in an unlawful detainer or eviction proceeding fails to appear or respond by the date specified in the summons, the court is required to enter a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff, granting the relief requested in the complaint. This rule removes judicial discretion in such circumstances — if the deadline passes without a response, the outcome is automatic. The provision applies within Washington's broader unlawful detainer statutory framework found at § 59.12.010 et seq.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 59.12.120, a landlord who has properly served a summons and filed a complaint in an unlawful detainer action may be entitled to a default judgment if the tenant does not appear or answer by the court-appointed date. Compliant operators generally ensure that the summons, complaint, and all service documents are properly prepared and filed so that the record supports a default judgment if the tenant fails to respond. Keeping thorough documentation of service and filing deadlines is a standard practice in managing these proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.120 means that if a tenant named in an unlawful detainer summons does not appear or file an answer by the date stated in that summons, the court will automatically enter a judgment against them for whatever the landlord requested. Tenants who receive a summons generally have a very short window to respond, and missing that deadline can result in losing the case without any hearing on the merits. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices in Washington can provide information about response deadlines, how to file an answer, and what options may exist under § 59.12.010 et seq.
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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