WashingtonWashington law describes when property notices may be mailed
Starting June 11, 2026, Washington law describes when property notices may be mailed and allows five extra days before a related action begins.
What it does
For notices about property, the law describes when a copy may be mailed. The delivery method depends on whether the recipient or someone at the property can be found.
Argument forMailing could give people serving a notice another way to reach someone who is absent or whose residence is unknown.
Argument againstRecipients could miss a mailed notice more easily than one handed to them, even though the law allows extra time before a related court action.
More detail
The law describes when a copy of a property notice may be mailed. These rules cover notices under this chapter, including notices to tenants and people unlawfully holding property. If the recipient is absent, a copy may be left with someone of suitable age and judgment, and another copy mailed to the recipient's residence. If a tenant's or unlawful occupant's residence is unknown, or no suitable person can be found, the notice may be posted conspicuously and mailed to the property; a copy must also be given to someone living there if found. The law takes effect June 11, 2026. For a notice mailed under this section, service is complete when the properly addressed copy with postage paid is deposited in the U.S. mail in Washington; five additional days are allowed before a related action begins.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 23Effective date 6/11/2026.Latest
- Mar 23Chapter 144, 2026 Laws.Major
- Mar 23Governor Bob Ferguson signed.Became Law
- Mar 10Delivered to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 9President signed.Passed Senate
- Mar 6Speaker signed.Passed House
- Mar 5Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#15). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 5Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 27Placed on second reading consent calendar.Minor
- Feb 25Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- Feb 25HSG - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Feb 25Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.
- Feb 18Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.
- Feb 12First reading, referred to Housing.Minor
- Feb 10Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#28). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 10Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 6Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.Minor
- Feb 3Referred to Rules 2 Review.Minor
- Jan 29HOUS - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Jan 29Executive action taken in the House Committee on Housing at 8:00 AM.
- Jan 27Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.
- Jan 26First reading, referred to Housing.Introduced
Housing