# RCW 59.12.070: RCW 59.12.070: Complaint—Summons

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S070

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 59.12.070
- **Heading:** RCW 59.12.070: Complaint—Summons
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 59 / Chapter 12 / Section 070

## Text

The plaintiff in his or her complaint, which shall be in writing, must set forth the facts on which he or she seeks to recover, and describe the premises with reasonable certainty, and may set forth therein any circumstances of fraud, force or violence, which may have accompanied the forcible entry or forcible or unlawful detainer, and claim damages therefor, or compensation for the occupation of the premises, or both; in case the unlawful detainer charged be after default in the payment of rent, the complaint must state the amount of such rent. A summons must be issued as in other cases, returnable at a day designated therein, which shall not be less than seven nor more than thirty days from the date of service, except in cases where the publication of summons is necessary, in which case the court or judge thereof may order that the summons be made returnable at such time as may be deemed proper, and the summons shall specify the return day so fixed.

## 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_S070. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.