At both the state and local level new laws mandate changes in the language of important landlord-tenant documents, including the 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate as well as legal pleadings used in court. Failure to include legally required language in eviction documents is a defense to eviction and could lead to dismissal of an eviction action. Truly v. Heuft, 138 Wn.App. 913, 158 P.3d 1276 (Div. 1 2007).
New laws in 2019 and in 2020 change the requirements for the notice to pay rent or vacate state-wide. New laws in Federal Way and Seattle necessitate contents in notices in addition to state law requirements. Other local jurisdictions made changes in 2020 in response to the pandemic.