Wash. Rev. Code § 59.16 § 59.16.020
Pleadings, requirements.
Operative Text
The complaint in all cases under the provisions of this chapter shall be upon oath, and there shall be embodied therein or amended thereto an abstract of the plaintiff's title, and the defendant shall, in his or her answer, state whether he or she makes any claim of title to the lands described in the complaint, and if he or she makes no claim to the legal title but does claim a right to the possession of such lands, he or she shall state upon what grounds he or she claims a right to such possession.
Washington's forcible entry and detainer statute, Wash. Rev. Code § 59.16.020, sets out what a complaint filed to recover possession of real property must contain and how the defendant must respond. The plaintiff's complaint must be sworn under oath and include a summary of the plaintiff's ownership interest in the property. The defendant's answer must disclose whether the defendant is claiming ownership of the land or, if not, on what basis the defendant believes they have a right to remain in possession.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.16.020, a property owner or manager who files a complaint to recover possession must ensure the complaint is sworn and includes an abstract—a summary—of their title or ownership interest. Compliant operators typically work with a legal professional to verify that these pleading requirements are met before filing, since a deficient complaint can delay proceedings. Keeping clear records of ownership documents, deeds, and chain of title helps support the abstract required by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.16.020 requires that a defendant in a possession action formally state in their answer whether they are claiming ownership of the property or, if not, explain the legal basis for their right to remain. Tenants who believe they have a valid right to possession—such as an existing lease or other agreement—generally have the opportunity to set out those grounds in their answer to the complaint. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help individuals understand what information belongs in an answer filed under this provision.
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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