# RCW 59.12.020: RCW 59.12.020: Forcible detainer defined

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S020

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 59.12.020
- **Heading:** RCW 59.12.020: Forcible detainer defined
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 59 / Chapter 12 / Section 020

## Text

Every person is guilty of a forcible detainer who either — (1) By force, or by menaces and threats of violence, unlawfully holds and keeps the possession of any real property, whether the same was acquired peaceably or otherwise; or — (2) Who in the nighttime, or during the absence of the occupant of any real property, enters thereon, and who, after demand made for the surrender thereof, refuses for the period of three days to surrender the same to such former occupant. The occupant of real property within the meaning of this subdivision is one who for the five days next preceding such unlawful entry was in the peaceable and undisturbed possession of such real property.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 59.12.010 RCW 59.12.010: Forcible entry defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S010.md)
- [RCW 59.12.020 RCW 59.12.020: Forcible detainer defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S020.md)
- [RCW 59.12.032 RCW 59.12.032: Unlawful detainer action—Compliance with RCW 61.24.040 and 61.24.060.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S032.md)
- [RCW 59.12.070 RCW 59.12.070: Complaint—Summons.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S070.md)
- [RCW 59.12.080 RCW 59.12.080: Summons—Contents—Service.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S080.md)
- [RCW 59.12.085 RCW 59.12.085: Alternative service of summons—Limitation on jurisdiction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S085.md)
- [RCW 59.12.090 RCW 59.12.090: Writ of restitution—Bond.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S090.md)
- [RCW 59.12.100 RCW 59.12.100: Service of writ—Bond to stay writ.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S100.md)
- [RCW 59.12.110 RCW 59.12.110: Modification of bond.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S110.md)
- [RCW 59.12.120 RCW 59.12.120: Judgment by default.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S120.md)
- [RCW 59.12.121 RCW 59.12.121: Pleading by defendant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S121.md)
- [RCW 59.12.130 RCW 59.12.130: Jury—Actions given preference.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S130.md)
- [RCW 59.12.140 RCW 59.12.140: Proof in forcible entry and detainer.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S140.md)
- [RCW 59.12.150 RCW 59.12.150: Amendment to conform to proof.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S150.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S020. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.