Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20 § 59.20.250
Mediation of disputes by independent third party.
Operative Text
The landlord and tenant may agree in writing to submit any dispute arising under this chapter or under the terms, conditions, or performance of the rental agreement to mediation by an independent third party or to settle the dispute through industry mediation procedures. The parties may agree to submit any dispute to mediation before exercising their right to arbitration under RCW 59.20.260 .
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.250, Washington's Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act allows landlords and tenants to voluntarily resolve disputes through mediation with a neutral third party, rather than proceeding directly to formal arbitration or litigation. Both parties must agree in writing to use this process, which can cover disagreements arising from the chapter itself or from the specific terms of their rental agreement. Mediation under this provision is an optional step that may be pursued before either party invokes arbitration rights under RCW 59.20.260.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.250 generally document any mutual agreement to mediate in writing before the process begins, ensuring the scope of the dispute and the chosen mediator or industry mediation program are clearly identified. Operators familiar with this provision often treat mediation as a cost-effective first step that can resolve conflicts without the formality of arbitration under RCW 59.20.260. Maintaining clear written records of any mediation agreement helps demonstrate good-faith compliance with the chapter's dispute-resolution framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.250 gives tenants in manufactured or mobile home communities the option to resolve disputes with their landlord through a neutral third-party mediator, provided both sides agree in writing. This pathway can address disagreements about the rental agreement or other matters covered by the chapter, and it does not eliminate the right to pursue arbitration under RCW 59.20.260 if mediation does not resolve the issue. Tenants who want to understand whether mediation is appropriate for their situation may find guidance through local tenant-rights organizations or Washington's statewide dispute resolution centers.
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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