Washington § 59.18.220 - End of tenancy for a specified time — Armed forces exception.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.220 — End of tenancy for a specified time — Armed forces exception., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 59.18.220. End of tenancy for a specified time — Armed forces exception.

(1) Except as limited under RCW 59.18.650, in cases where premises are rented for a specified time, by express or implied contract, the tenancy shall be deemed expired at the end of such specified time upon notice consistent with RCW 59.18.650, served in a manner consistent with RCW 59.12.040.

(2) Any tenant who is a member of the armed forces, including the national guard and armed forces reserves, or that tenant's spouse or dependent, may end a tenancy for a specified time if the tenant receives permanent change of station or deployment orders. Before ending the tenancy, the tenant, or that tenant's spouse or dependent, shall provide written notice of 20 days or more to the landlord, which notice shall include a copy of the official military orders or a signed letter from the service member's commanding officer confirming any of the following criteria are met:

(a) The service member is required, pursuant to a permanent change of station orders, to move 35 miles or more from the location of the rental premises;

(b) The service member is prematurely or involuntarily discharged or released from active duty;

(c) The service member is released from active duty after having leased the rental premises while on active duty status and the rental premises is 35 miles or more from the service member's home of record prior to entering active duty;

(d) After entering into a rental agreement, the commanding officer directs the service member to move into government provided housing;

(e) The service member receives temporary duty orders, temporary change of station orders, or active duty orders to an area 35 miles or more from the location of the rental premises, provided such orders are for a period not less than 90 days; or

(f) The service member has leased the property, but prior to taking possession of the rental premises, receives change of station orders to an area that is 35 miles or more from the location of the rental premises.

[ 2021 c 212 s 4; 2019 c 23 s 3; 2003 c 7 s 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 207 s 22.]

Notes

Effective date—2021 c 212: See note following RCW 59.18.030.

Effective date—2003 c 7: See note following RCW 59.18.200.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 59.18.220

What does Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.220 cover?

Section 59.18.220 ("End of tenancy for a specified time — Armed forces exception.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 59.18.220?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.220" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 59.18.220 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 59.18.220 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.