Pend Oreille County is Washington’s most recently formed county, carved from Stevens County in 1911 and named for the Pend d’Oreilles — a Salish-speaking people indigenous to the Pend Oreille River valley. Occupying the far northeastern corner of Washington, the county borders Idaho to the east and British Columbia to the north, covering approximately 1,400 square miles of forested mountains and the Pend Oreille River drainage. Its county seat and only city of any size is Newport (~2,181), which sits on the Washington side of the Idaho state line directly across from Oldtown, Idaho. The county’s economy developed historically around gold mining, evolved through timber harvesting and zinc and lead extraction, and today is anchored by timber, retail trade, healthcare, and construction in Newport, with recreation and outdoor tourism growing along the Pend Oreille River and Box Canyon Reservoir.
The Pend Oreille County rental market is among the smallest and most rural in Washington — with approximately 14,332 residents and an 80.8% homeownership rate, the renter population is extremely thin. Most rental activity is concentrated in Newport itself. Median household income for the county is approximately $67,436, with Newport city incomes substantially lower (renters in Newport had a median household income of approximately $27,250). Median property value is $367,900. The Kalispel Tribe of Indians, one of the smallest federally recognized tribes in the United States, is headquartered in Usk and holds tribal trust land along the Pend Oreille River corridor — creating tribal court jurisdiction considerations for properties in those areas. Pend Oreille County is part of the Tri-County Judicial District with Stevens and Ferry counties, sharing three Superior Court judges across all three counties.
~$67,436 (county); Newport renters ~$27,250 — significant gap
Median Property Value
$367,900 (2024)
Homeownership Rate
80.8% — very high; rental stock concentrated in Newport city
Tri-County Judicial District
Shares 3 Superior Court judges with Stevens & Ferry Counties — scheduling rotates among all three counties
Kalispel Tribe
Headquartered in Usk; tribal trust land along Pend Oreille River — tribal court jurisdiction for trust land properties
Clerk Hours
Hall of Justice open 8 AM–4:30 PM; Clerk closed noon–1 PM (lunch)
Rent Control
None locally; WA statewide rent cap applies (RCW 59.18.700)
⚡ Eviction At-a-Glance
Nonpayment Notice
14-Day Pay or Vacate (statutory form — RCW 59.18.057)
Lease Violation
10-Day Comply or Vacate
Waste / Nuisance / Unlawful Activity
3-Day Notice to Quit
No-Cause (month-to-month)
Not permitted — just-cause required statewide
Owner Move-In
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Sale of Single-Family Home
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Demolition / Rehab / Change of Use
120-Day Advance Written Notice
Security Deposit Return
30 days after vacancy or notice of abandonment
Rent Increase Notice
90 days advance written notice
Rent Increase Cap
Lesser of CPI+7% or 10% per 12 months (RCW 59.18.700)
Courthouse
Hall of Justice, 229 S Garden Avenue, Newport, WA 99156
Court Phone
(509) 684-7527
Pend Oreille County — Local Rules & Washington State Law Highlights
Topic
Rule / Notes
Tri-County Judicial District — Stevens, Ferry & Pend Oreille
Pend Oreille County is part of the Tri-County Judicial District, established by Chapter 65, Section 2, Laws of Washington 1981. The district comprises Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties and is served by three Superior Court Judges elected to 4-year terms: Hon. Lisa A. Malpass, Hon. Thomas F. Webster, and Presiding Judge Hon. Lech J. Radzimski. Court Commissioner Robin M. McCroskey also serves the district. Judges rotate hearing dockets across all three counties — confirm which judge is assigned to Pend Oreille County dockets on the date of any hearing at pendoreille.gov/superior-court-clerk/page/superior-court-calendar-docket. Commissioner dockets are held every other Friday. Because scheduling rotates among three counties, planning ahead is essential for eviction filings in Pend Oreille.
Kalispel Tribe of Indians — Tribal Land Jurisdiction
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a federally recognized tribe headquartered in Usk, Washington, along the Pend Oreille River. One of the smallest federally recognized tribes in the United States, the Kalispel Tribe holds tribal trust land along the Pend Oreille River corridor, including areas near Usk, Cusick, and the river valley north toward Metaline. Properties on Kalispel tribal trust land are subject to Kalispel Tribal Court jurisdiction — not Washington RLTA or Pend Oreille County Superior Court. The Kalispel Tribe’s economic enterprises include the Northern Quest Resort & Casino (Airway Heights, near Spokane) and tribal government operations in Usk. Before establishing any rental near Usk or the Pend Oreille River corridor between Newport and Metaline, verify fee-simple vs. tribal trust land status through a thorough title search.
Hall of Justice — Clerk Hours & Zoom
The Hall of Justice at 229 S Garden Avenue houses the Superior Court, District Court, Juvenile Office, and Prosecutor’s Office. The Hall of Justice is open 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Monday through Friday. The Superior Court Clerk’s Office is closed noon–1:00 PM for lunch. Plan in-person visits accordingly. Zoom hearings are available for eligible proceedings — contact the Clerk’s Office or District Court at (509) 447-4110 to confirm whether your matter may be heard remotely. The county court website at pendoreille.gov maintains the current docket calendar and judge assignments.
Idaho Border — Cross-State Residency
Newport, Washington sits directly on the Idaho state line, adjacent to Oldtown, Idaho. Many residents of the greater Newport area cross the state line regularly for work, shopping, and services. Some tenants may be employed in Idaho while renting in Washington. Washington RLTA governs residential tenancies in Newport and throughout Pend Oreille County regardless of where the tenant works. Income from Idaho employment is fully usable for income verification. Washington’s source-of-income discrimination prohibition (RCW 59.18.255) applies throughout the county. Note that Idaho has its own landlord-tenant law — landlords with properties in both states must comply with each state’s law separately for each property.
Rental Licensing
No county-level rental registration or licensing for standard long-term residential leases in Pend Oreille County. Washington has no statewide landlord licensing statute. The City of Newport does not currently require general residential rental registration for long-term leases as of 2025. Verify current requirements with Newport city government before operating.
Rent Control & Rent Increase Cap
No local rent control. Washington’s statewide rent increase cap (RCW 59.18.700, effective 2025): annual increases for 12-month+ tenancies capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10%. With Newport renters having a median household income of approximately $27,250 — well below both the county and state median — the rent cap is a significant protection for the county’s lower-income rental population. Exemptions (RCW 59.18.710): buildings under 10 years old, single-family residences not in a rental complex, subsidized housing, tenancies under 12 months. 90 days’ advance written notice required for all rent increases.
Just-Cause Eviction
Washington’s just-cause eviction law (RCW 59.18.650) applies statewide. No-cause month-to-month terminations are not permitted. Permitted causes: nonpayment (14-day statutory form), substantial lease violation (10-day cure notice), waste/nuisance/crime (3-day), owner/family move-in (90-day), sale of single-family home (90-day), demolition/rehab/change of use (120-day).
14-Day Notice — Statutory Form Required
Washington’s 14-day pay-or-vacate notice must use the exact statutory form (RCW 59.18.057): separately itemize rent, utilities, and recurring charges; require non-electronic payment unless the agreement provides otherwise; include the Eviction Defense Screening Line (855-657-8387) and the AG’s website (www.atg.wa.gov/landlord-tenant). A non-conforming notice results in dismissal.
Security Deposit Requirements
No statutory cap under state law. Required: (1) written rental agreement; (2) signed written move-in condition checklist (failure = landlord liable for full deposit); (3) trust account deposit with written notice of depository (RCW 59.18.270); (4) return with itemized statement within 30 days (RCW 59.18.280). No deductions for ordinary wear and tear.
Deposit Installment Plans
Upon written tenant request, allow deposits in installments (RCW 59.18.610): 3 monthly for 3-month+ leases; 2 otherwise. No fees or interest. Refusal: 1-month rent penalty plus attorneys’ fees. Relevant given Newport renters’ very low median income (~$27,250).
Source of Income
Statewide prohibition on source-of-income discrimination (RCW 59.18.255). Cannot reject applicants based on Housing Choice Vouchers, public assistance, veterans benefits, Social Security, SSI, or any government/nonprofit benefit. Civil penalty: up to 4.5x monthly rent. Newport’s renter population has a very low median household income (~$27,250) — housing assistance reliance is significant.
Landlord Entry
Minimum 2 days’ (48 hours’) advance written notice with exact date and time (RCW 59.18.150). Emergency entry without notice permitted. After one written warning, each unauthorized entry: $100 per violation.
Late Fees
No late fees within 5 days of the due date (RCW 59.18.170). Late fees in court judgments capped at $75 total (RCW 59.18.410).
Pend Oreille County Superior Court
Address: Hall of Justice, 229 S Garden Avenue, Newport, WA 99156 Mailing: P.O. Box 5020, Newport, WA 99156 Phone: (509) 684-7527 • Fax: (509) 447-2734 Tri-County Judges: Hon. Lisa A. Malpass • Hon. Thomas F. Webster • Presiding Judge Hon. Lech J. Radzimski Commissioner: Robin M. McCroskey Clerk’s Office Hours: M–F 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (closed noon–1:00 PM for lunch) Docket/Judge Rotation: Verify which judge is hearing Pend Oreille cases on your date at pendoreille.gov District Court: Hall of Justice, Newport • (509) 447-4110 • Serves Newport, Cusick, Ione, Metaline, Metaline Falls • Zoom available
Confirm current information at pendoreille.gov.
Tenant Right to Counsel & Legal Aid
Indigent tenants have the right to a court-appointed attorney in eviction proceedings (RCW 59.18.640) — at or below 200% FPL. Eviction Defense Screening Line: 855-657-8387 (must appear on notice and summons). Northwest Justice Project serves Pend Oreille County. The Tri-County court system employs a Family Law Court Facilitator. Zoom hearings are available — contact District Court at (509) 447-4110 to confirm eligibility for remote appearance. The Kalispel Tribe may provide separate legal resources to enrolled tribal members.
Tenant Can Cure?Yes - tenant can pay full amount due within 14 days to cure. Payment must first be applied to amounts shown on notice.
Days to Hearing7-20 days
Days to Writ3-5 days
Total Estimated Timeline30-75 days
Total Estimated Cost$300-$800
⚠️ Watch Out
VERY tenant-friendly. Just Cause Eviction statewide (RCW 59.18.650) - landlord must have enumerated cause to evict. 14-day notice must use specific statutory form language including info about legal aid, dispute resolution centers, and right to appointed counsel. Notice must be in multiple languages per AG website. Rent increases capped at 7%+inflation or 10%, whichever lower. 60-day notice for rent increases. Right to counsel for qualifying low-income tenants.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Superior Court - Unlawful Detainer. Pay the filing fee (~$45-60).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Washington eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Washington attorney or local legal aid organization.
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Underground Landlord
🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
Newport (county seat; Idaho border; US-2/US-20; all rental activity): Newport is where the county’s rental market essentially lives. The city serves as the commercial hub for both the Washington side and Oldtown, Idaho across the state line. Newport’s renter households have a median income of approximately $27,250 — significantly below the county average — reflecting a lower-income service and retail workforce. Stable income sources include Newport School District, Pend Oreille County government, Newport Hospital & Health Services, retail trade, and Kalispel Tribe government employment. Screen for these stable employers. Deposit installment plans (RCW 59.18.610) are frequently relevant given renter income levels. Source-of-income compliance matters: housing voucher use is significant among Newport renters. Idaho employment is fully valid for income verification.
Cusick, Ione, Metaline & Metaline Falls (small river towns; industrial history): These small Pend Oreille River valley communities have limited rental stock — mostly individual houses rented to working families, school district employees, and workers at Lehigh Cement (Metaline Falls). Ione and Metaline each have a few hundred residents. The Pend Oreille District Court serves all these communities. Properties near Usk require Kalispel tribal trust land verification.
Pend Oreille River / Box Canyon Corridor (recreation; tribal lands): The Pend Oreille River between Newport and Metaline Falls is a growing recreation corridor, with Box Canyon Reservoir and associated public lands drawing anglers and outdoor recreationists. Rural properties in this corridor near Usk require land status verification — the Kalispel Tribe holds trust land along this stretch. Any property between Newport and Metaline near the river should be title-searched before establishing any tenancy.
Tri-County Scheduling Note: Because Pend Oreille’s Superior Court judges also rotate through Stevens and Ferry counties, Pend Oreille eviction hearings may be scheduled less frequently than in a single-county court. Check the court calendar at pendoreille.gov before filing to understand current scheduling and which judge will be hearing your case. Build extra lead time into eviction timelines.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Pend Oreille County Washington Landlord-Tenant Law: Renting in Newport and Washington’s Last-Formed County
Pend Oreille County holds a unique distinction among Washington’s 39 counties: it was the last to be formed, carved from Stevens County in 1911 and named for the Pend d’Oreilles — the Salish-speaking people who have lived along the Pend Oreille River for centuries. Situated in the far northeastern corner of the state, the county borders Idaho to the east and British Columbia to the north, with Newport as its sole city of significance. Newport sits directly on the Idaho state line, separated from Oldtown, Idaho by little more than a state border sign. This border geography shapes the county’s economy — Newport serves as a retail and service hub for residents on both sides of the line — and its tenant population, many of whom work in Idaho while renting on the Washington side.
The Tri-County Judicial District: Three Judges, Three Counties
Pend Oreille County is part of the Tri-County Judicial District established in 1981, sharing three Superior Court judges with Stevens and Ferry counties. The three judges — Hon. Lisa A. Malpass, Hon. Thomas F. Webster, and Presiding Judge Hon. Lech J. Radzimski — rotate hearings across all three counties; Commissioner Robin M. McCroskey also serves the district. All Pend Oreille County evictions are filed at the Hall of Justice at 229 S Garden Avenue in Newport (mailing P.O. Box 5020; phone 509-684-7527). The Clerk’s Office is in the same building, open 8 AM–4:30 PM with a noon–1 PM lunch closure. Before scheduling any hearing, verify the current judge assignment for Pend Oreille dockets at pendoreille.gov — the rotation means Pend Oreille hearings may be less frequent than in a single-county court. Zoom appearances may be available; contact District Court at (509) 447-4110 to confirm. The District Court serves Newport, Cusick, Ione, Metaline, and Metaline Falls.
The Kalispel Tribe and the Pend Oreille River Corridor
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians — one of the smallest federally recognized tribes in the United States — is headquartered in Usk and holds tribal trust land along the Pend Oreille River between Newport and Metaline. Properties on tribal trust land are subject to Kalispel Tribal Court jurisdiction, not Washington RLTA. The boundary between fee-simple county land and Kalispel tribal trust land is not always apparent from the physical landscape, and properties with county addresses near Usk or along the river corridor may be on trust land. A title search is essential before establishing any tenancy in this zone. The Kalispel Tribe’s economic development — including the Northern Quest Resort & Casino near Spokane — has expanded tribal employment opportunities and made tribal government employment an important income source for some Pend Oreille County renters.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Pend Oreille County are filed at Pend Oreille County Superior Court (Tri-County Judicial District), Hall of Justice, 229 S Garden Avenue (P.O. Box 5020), Newport, WA 99156 — (509) 684-7527. Clerk’s Office open M–F 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, closed noon–1:00 PM. Verify judge rotation/assignment before any hearing at pendoreille.gov. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057); defective notices result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements apply statewide (RCW 59.18.650). Rent increases for 12-month+ tenancies capped at lesser of CPI+7% or 10% with 90 days’ notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination prohibited (RCW 59.18.255). Properties on Kalispel tribal trust land near Usk and along the Pend Oreille River corridor may be subject to Kalispel Tribal Court jurisdiction — verify land status before establishing any tenancy. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Pend Oreille County are filed at Pend Oreille County Superior Court (Tri-County Judicial District), Hall of Justice, 229 S Garden Avenue (P.O. Box 5020), Newport, WA 99156 — (509) 684-7527. Clerk’s Office open M–F 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; closed noon–1:00 PM. Verify judge rotation and docket assignment before any hearing at pendoreille.gov. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057); non-conforming notices result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements (RCW 59.18.650) apply statewide. Rent increases for 12-month+ tenancies are capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10% with 90 days’ advance written notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination is prohibited statewide (RCW 59.18.255). Properties on Kalispel tribal trust land near Usk and along the Pend Oreille River corridor may be subject to Kalispel Tribal Court jurisdiction — verify fee-simple vs. trust land status before establishing any tenancy. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
