Unlawful Detainers (Evictions)
When a landlord seeks to remove a tenant from a rental unit, it is known as an eviction. In the state of Washington, an eviction is referred to as an unlawful detainer. A landlord must be justified in pursuing an unlawful detainer action.
The unlawful detainer calendar is held Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at Main Campus.
Information regarding the Unalwful Detainer Ex Parte Calendar Change January 2024
COVID Housing Impacts: Thurston County Superior Court’s New Eviction Resolution Program to Help Tenants and Landlords
With many landlords and tenants hit hard by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thurston County is expecting to face a large number of eviction cases after state and federal moratoria on evictions are lifted. In hopes of reducing the severity of a wave of evictions in the community, the Thurston County Superior Court has established an Eviction Resolution Program (ERP) that will require problem-solving steps before eviction cases may be filed in court.
The program will be implemented starting November 12, 2020. Though state and federal eviction moratoria have not lifted yet, it is hoped that many landlords and tenants will join in the resolution programs early to take advantage of the assistance and get a head start on problem solving.
The goal of the program is to bring all parties together with trained resolution specialists to explore solutions such as available state and local rental assistance, or achievable payment plans that could help tenants retain their housing and divert many situations from the legal eviction process. The program was developed by the state Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA) in partnership with the state Office of Civil Legal Aid.
Additional information, background and links are available on the statewide web site dedicated to the Eviction Resolution Program.
Another resource regarding the Eviction Resolution Program is provided by the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County.
Certificate of Readiness for Right to Counsel in Unlawful Detainer Matters
Under this Certificate, the Thurston County Superior Court may begin appointing attorneys for Unlawful Detainer matters in accordance with Governor's Proclamation 21-09.01 and The Law of Washington 2021, Chapter 115 (ESSB 5160, Section 8). Certificate of Tenant Right to Counsel Availability
Thurston County Superior Court Emergency Administrative Order No. 6 Eviction Resolution Program