Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.055
Notice -- Alternative procedure -- Court's jurisdiction limited -- Application to chapter 59.20 RCW.
Operative Text
(1) When the landlord, after the exercise of due diligence, is unable to personally serve the summons on the tenant, the landlord may use the alternative means of service as follows: (a) The summons and complaint shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises unlawfully held, not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons; and (b) Copies of the summons and complaint shall be deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, by both regular mail and certified mail directed to the tenant's or tenants' last known address not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons. (2) When service on the tenant or tenants is accomplished by this alternative procedure, the court's jurisdiction is limited to restoring possession of the premises to the landlord and no money judgment may be entered against the tenant or tenants until such time as jurisdiction over the tenant or tenants is obtained. (3) Before the entry of any judgment or issuance of a writ of restitution due to the tenant's failure to appear, the landlord shall provide the court with a declaration from the person or persons who served the tenant that describes the service achieved, and if by alternative service pursuant to this section, that describes the efforts at personal service before alternative service was used and a declaration from the landlord stating his or her belief that the tenant cannot be found. (4) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, the exercise of due diligence is met if the landlord attempts personal service on the tenant at least three times over not less than two days and at different times of the day. (5) This section shall apply to this chapter and chapter 59.20 RCW.
Washington law under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.055 establishes an alternative method for serving eviction papers when a landlord cannot personally reach a tenant despite genuine effort. If personal service fails after at least three attempts on at least two different days at varying times of day, the landlord may post the summons and complaint on the property and send copies by both regular and certified mail, at least nine days before the return date. When this substitute service method is used, the court's authority is narrowed: it may only address who gets possession of the premises, and no money judgment can be entered against the tenant unless and until the court separately obtains personal jurisdiction over that tenant.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.055, a landlord seeking to use alternative service must first make at least three personal service attempts on at least two separate days and at different times before resorting to posting and mailing. Compliant operators keep careful records of each attempt—dates, times, and outcomes—because the court requires a sworn declaration describing those efforts before any judgment or writ of restitution can be issued. Landlords should also be aware that alternative service limits the court's jurisdiction to possession only, meaning a separate proceeding may be necessary to pursue any money damages.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.055 provides important procedural protections for tenants in eviction cases where the landlord could not personally serve them. If a tenant was served only by posting and mail under this alternative procedure, the court's power is restricted to deciding who occupies the premises—no money judgment can be entered against the tenant through that process alone. Tenants who believe proper service procedures were not followed, or who want to understand how this limitation on the court's jurisdiction may affect their situation, may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general information about their options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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