Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.390
Forcible entry or detainer or unlawful detainer actions -- Writ of restitution -- Service -- Tenant's bond -- Notice.
Operative Text
(1) The sheriff shall, upon receiving the writ of restitution, forthwith serve a copy thereof upon the tenant, his or her agent, or attorney, or a person in possession of the premises, and shall not execute the same for three days thereafter. After the issuance of a writ of restitution, acceptance of a payment by the landlord that only partially satisfies the judgment will not invalidate the writ unless pursuant to a written agreement executed by both parties. The eviction will not be postponed or stopped unless a copy of that written agreement is provided to the sheriff. It is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure a copy of the agreement is provided to the sheriff. Upon receipt of the agreement, the sheriff will cease action unless ordered to do otherwise by the court. The writ of restitution and the notice that accompanies the writ of restitution required under RCW 59.18.312 shall conspicuously state in boldface type, all capitals, not less than twelve points information about partial payments as set forth in subsection (2) of this section. If the writ of restitution has been based upon a finding by the court that the tenant, subtenant, sublessee, or a person residing at the rental premises has engaged in drug-related activity or has allowed any other person to engage in drug-related activity at those premises with his or her knowledge or approval, neither the tenant nor a person in possession of the premises shall be entitled to post a bond in order to retain possession of the premises. The writ may be served by the sheriff, in the event he or she shall be unable to find the tenant, an agent or attorney, or a person in possession of the premises, by affixing a copy of the writ in a conspicuous place upon the premises: PROVIDED, That the sheriff shall not require any bond for the service or execution of the writ. The sheriff shall be immune from all civil liability for serving and enforcing writs of restitution unless the sheriff is grossly negligent in carrying out his or her duty. (2) The notice accompanying a writ of restitution required under RCW 59.18.312 shall be substantially similar to the following:
Under Washington law at Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.390, once a court issues a writ of restitution, a sheriff must serve a copy on the tenant or occupant and then wait at least three days before carrying out the eviction. A landlord's acceptance of a partial payment after the writ is issued does not automatically cancel the writ unless both parties sign a written agreement and a copy of that agreement is delivered to the sheriff. Tenants who have been found by a court to have engaged in or knowingly permitted drug-related activity on the premises lose the right to post a bond to remain in the property during this period.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 59.18.390, property owners and managers should be aware that accepting any partial rent payment after a writ of restitution has been issued does not stop the eviction process on its own. Only a written agreement signed by both the landlord and the tenant, with a copy delivered to the sheriff, can pause or halt execution of the writ. Compliant operators who do intend to reach a payment arrangement typically document that agreement in writing and ensure the sheriff receives a copy before the writ is executed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.390 provides tenants with a mandatory three-day window after the sheriff serves a writ of restitution before the eviction can be carried out. If a tenant and landlord reach a partial-payment or other agreement after the writ is issued, it is the tenant's responsibility under this provision to make sure a signed written copy of that agreement reaches the sheriff, as the eviction will not be paused otherwise. Tenants facing a writ of restitution may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand options such as posting a bond (where permitted) or raising applicable defenses under § 59.18.390.
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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