Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20 § 59.20.260
Arbitration -- Authorized -- Selection of arbitrator -- Procedure.
Operative Text
(1) The landlord and tenant may agree in writing to submit a controversy arising under this chapter to arbitration. The agreement shall contain the name of the arbitrator agreed upon by the parties or the process for selecting the arbitrator. (2) The arbitration shall be administered under this chapter and chapter 7.04A RCW.
Under Washington's Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act, § 59.20.260 permits landlords and tenants to resolve disputes arising under that chapter through private arbitration, but only if both parties voluntarily agree to do so in writing. The written agreement must either name the chosen arbitrator or spell out the method by which one will be selected. Any arbitration conducted under this provision is governed by both Chapter 59.20 RCW and Washington's general arbitration statute, Chapter 7.04A RCW.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.010 et seq. should understand that § 59.20.260 makes arbitration an optional, mutually agreed-upon path—not a unilateral one. A compliant operator who wishes to use arbitration ensures that any such agreement is documented in writing, clearly identifies the arbitrator or the selection process, and is signed by both parties before a dispute is submitted. Operators typically familiarize themselves with Chapter 7.04A RCW, which sets out the procedural framework that governs how the arbitration itself is conducted.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 59.20.260, tenants living in manufactured or mobile home communities cannot be compelled into arbitration without their written consent—the statute requires a mutual, written agreement before any dispute can be sent to an arbitrator. If a tenant has already signed such an agreement, the arbitration must follow both Chapter 59.20 RCW and Chapter 7.04A RCW, which provide procedural protections. Tenants who have questions about whether an arbitration clause is enforceable or what rights they retain may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Washington's manufactured-housing laws.
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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