Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21 § 59.21.105
Existing older mobile homes -- Forced relocation -- Code waiver.
Operative Text
(1) The legislature finds that existing older mobile homes provide affordable housing to many persons, and that requiring these homes that are legally located in mobile home parks to meet new fire, safety, and construction codes because they are relocating due to the closure or conversion of the mobile home park, compounds the economic burden facing these tenants. (2) Mobile homes that are relocated due to either the closure or conversion of a mobile home park, may not be required by any city or county to comply with the requirements of any applicable fire, safety, or construction code for the sole reason of its relocation. This section shall only apply if the original occupancy classification of the building is not changed as a result of the move. (3) This section shall not apply to mobile homes that are substantially remodeled or rehabilitated, nor to any work performed in compliance with installation requirements. For the purpose of determining whether a moved mobile home has been substantially remodeled or rebuilt, any cost relating to preparation for relocation or installation shall not be considered.
Washington law under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21.105 recognizes that older mobile homes serve as an important source of affordable housing, and that forcing displaced residents to bring those homes up to current fire, safety, or construction codes solely because of a park closure or conversion would impose an unfair financial burden. To address this, the provision prohibits cities and counties from requiring a relocated mobile home to meet new code standards simply because it has moved, as long as the home's original occupancy classification stays the same. The waiver does not extend to homes that are substantially remodeled or rehabilitated, and costs tied to preparing a home for relocation or installation are excluded when determining whether a home has been substantially rebuilt.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Mobile home park operators and local government officials administering park closures or conversions should be aware that, under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21.105, displaced residents' older mobile homes generally cannot be subjected to new fire, safety, or construction code requirements solely on account of the relocation. Compliant park operators typically document that a relocating home's occupancy classification remains unchanged and that no substantial remodeling or rehabilitation is occurring, since those circumstances would remove the code-waiver protection. Costs associated with preparing a home for relocation or installation are not counted toward any 'substantial remodel' threshold under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of mobile home parks facing closure or conversion may have important protections under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21.105, which generally prevents cities and counties from demanding that a relocated older mobile home meet new fire, safety, or construction codes simply because it is being moved. This protection applies as long as the home's occupancy classification does not change and the home is not substantially remodeled or rehabilitated in connection with the move. Tenants who believe a local jurisdiction is improperly imposing code-compliance requirements on a relocating home may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization, a housing advocacy group, or an attorney familiar with Washington mobile home park law to understand what options may be available.
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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