Lawmakers hear bill changing mail service rules for eviction notices; adds certified‑mail requirement and five‑day notice extension

The Senate Housing Committee heard a bill on March 14 that would revise how notices are served in unlawful detainer proceedings, including requiring certified mail within Washington state and extending the notice period.

Committee staff explained that the Unlawful Detainer Act has origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and that current law treats mail service as complete when deposited in the county with postage prepaid. "Under the bill, service by mail is now deemed complete when the notice is deposited in The United States mail with postage prepaid by certified mail posted from within Washington state and directed to the last known address of the person entitled to the notice," the staff summary said. It also said the bill requires five additional days to be allowed before commencing an action after service by mail and that a termination notice must specify the date by which the person must vacate or comply.

Representative Peter Barno, the bill’s prime sponsor, described the measure as a modest modernization that addresses logistical burdens facing landlords who own property in multiple counties. "This statute has not been changed in like 114 years," Barno said, adding the bill would create a uniform in‑state certified‑mail approach while giving tenants an extra five days to respond.

Staff and the sponsor noted the bill passed the House by a large margin earlier in the session; the House vote reported in the hearing was 91 to 5. No committee vote was taken during the March 14 hearing.

The public hearing was suspended pending any follow‑up questions from committee members or staff.

Ending: Sponsor and staff emphasized the narrow, procedural nature of the bill and its balance of modernization with tenant protections.