Evictions

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is not involved in the beginning stages of the eviction process. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office can only become involved with the eviction process after the court procedure is completed and a Whatcom County Superior Court Judge has issued a Writ of Restitution. This is the point in which the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office can serve and enforce the court order if the tenants do not comply.

Necessary Paperwork


Please note that the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office cannot give legal advice and does not generate paperwork.

The public can obtain information regarding the eviction process and/or assistance in preparing the necessary paperwork to begin the eviction process from the following resources:
  • A private attorney.
  • Landlord-Tenant information from the Washington State Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
  • The Whatcom Opportunity Council, 1111 Cornwall Avenue, Suite C, Bellingham, Washington (360-734-5121, ext. 370 between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday). This office will provide information only. They do not have eviction forms and they do not generate paperwork.
  • The Attorney General’s Consumer Line Information Service: 800-692-5082
  • Preliminary eviction forms and Unlawful Detainer Packets can be purchased at COPY SOURCE, located at 1122 N. State Street, Bellingham, WA. Phone # 360.738.1280

Service of Preliminary Paperwork


Please note that the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office must serve the Writ of Restitution, but does not serve any other type of eviction paperwork

Eviction paperwork needing to be served can be served by process servers, such as the following:
  • 4th Corner Network
    110 Prospect Street
    Bellingham, WA 98225
    Phone: 360-671-2455
  • Security Specialists Plus
    6044 Portal Way #104
    Ferndale, WA 98248
    Phone : 360-656-5103


 

All Landlords Please Read the Following:


Due to the increasing number of mental health problems in Whatcom County, if you believe your tenant has mental illness please contact the following number for mental health help before you contact our office with the initial Writ of Restitution.  That way they are made aware of the situation and resources are available when we need them. Thank you.

    Volunteers of America                                             COMPASS HEALTH
    Mental Health Dispatch Center                                 360-922-6636
    24 hour Dispatch available
    1-800-584-3578