How to Look Up Eviction Records in Washington 2026

Where to Search Washington Eviction Records

Washington State Unlawful Detainer (eviction) cases are filed in District Court (most eviction cases) or Superior Court. There is no unified statewide online portal for District Court civil records; each county has its own system. King County (Seattle) records: kingcounty.gov/depts/district-court. Pierce County (Tacoma): piercecountywa.gov/districtcourt. Important: Washington RCW 59.18.367 allows vacating (sealing) unlawful detainer records in certain circumstances — enacted 2021. Source: RCW 59.12.030 et seq.

Step-by-Step: How to Search Washington Eviction Records

1. Identify the county court. Find the District Court or Superior Court website for the county where the property is located.
2. Search by party name. Enter the prospective tenant's full legal name (last name, first name) as a defendant/respondent. Try name variations including maiden names.
3. Filter by case type. Select eviction, forcible detainer, unlawful detainer, or summary possession as the case type depending on the court's terminology.
4. Review the disposition. Identify whether the case resulted in a judgment for the landlord (eviction), dismissal (tenant won or case settled), or is still pending. A filing alone does not mean the tenant was evicted.
5. Check the filing date. Important: Washington has eviction record protections — RCW 59.18.367 (Wash. SHB 1236, eff. May 2021). Do not make adverse screening decisions on sealed, expunged, or protected records.
6. Request certified copies if needed. For a certified copy of the court record, contact the District Court or Superior Court clerk's office directly. Fees are typically $0.50/page.

Eviction Record Expungement in Washington

Landlords and screening companies may not use sealed or expunged eviction records as a basis for adverse tenant-screening decisions in Washington. Tenants who believe their records have been improperly used may have a civil claim under the applicable statute. If a tenant discloses an expunged eviction, you may ask for context but cannot deny housing based solely on the expunged record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up eviction records in Washington?

Washington State Unlawful Detainer (eviction) cases are filed in District Court (most eviction cases) or Superior Court. There is no unified statewide online portal for District Court civil records; each county has its own system. King County (Seattle) records: kingcounty.gov/depts/district-court. Pierce County (Tacoma): piercecountywa.gov/districtcourt. Important: Washington RCW 59.18.367 allows vacating (sealing) unlawful detainer records in certain circumstances — enacted 2021. Source: RCW 59.12.030 et seq.

Are eviction court records public in Washington?

Yes — eviction court records in Washington are presumptively public under Washington's public records law. Eviction actions are civil court filings and are part of the court's public record, accessible by any member of the public, except for sealed or expunged records (RCW 59.18.367 (Wash. SHB 1236, eff. May 2021)).

Can a tenant get an eviction record removed or expunged in Washington?

Yes. Washington has enacted eviction record expungement or sealing protections: RCW 59.18.367 (2021 SHB 1236) — Courts may vacate certain unlawful detainer records; applies where tenant prevailed or case was dismissed, or where tenant is low-income per criteria. (RCW 59.18.367 (Wash. SHB 1236, eff. May 2021)). Tenants who qualify may petition the court to seal or vacate the eviction record.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of an eviction court record in Washington?

In Washington, certified copy fees for court records are typically $0.50/page. Fees are set by the District Court or Superior Court and may vary by county or court location. Many courts also charge a flat certification fee on top of the per-page copy fee. Online access to basic case information (party names, filing date, disposition) is typically free through the court's public portal where available.

Related Washington Landlord Guides

Court portal information sourced from the Washington court administrative office official website. Expungement laws from published Washington statutes (see citations above). Last updated April 30, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.