Full repeal of the certified mail requirement

For years, serving an unlawful detainer notice in Washington meant a trip to the post office and a certified mail receipt, whether or not anyone ever collected it. It was a cost and a delay that protected nobody.

HB 2664 removes it. Notices may now be sent by regular mail, with service complete on deposit in the mail within Washington state and an additional five-day period added. HB 2452 does the parallel work for rent-increase notices, allowing service by personal delivery, mail, or posting, and reverting manufactured housing community notice service to RCW 59.20.150. Both were signed by the Governor and take effect 11 June 2026.

While others accepted partial fixes or narrower changes, we were the only organized voice pushing for full repeal of outdated certified mail requirements. We made the case. We stayed on the issue. And we got the result.

Chester Baldwin

The result is a statewide win that benefits housing providers well beyond our own clients.

The change took effect on 11 June 2026. If you provide housing in Washington and have not yet reviewed your notice templates and service procedures, we are happy to walk you through it.