# RCW 59.18.055: RCW 59.18.055: Notice—Alternative procedure—Court's jurisdiction limited—Application to chapter 59.20 RCW

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S055

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 59.18.055
- **Heading:** RCW 59.18.055: Notice—Alternative procedure—Court's jurisdiction limited—Application to chapter 59.20 RCW
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 59 / Chapter 18 / Section 055

## 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.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 59.18.010 RCW 59.18.010: Short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S010.md)
- [RCW 59.18.020 RCW 59.18.020: Rights and remedies—Obligation of good faith imposed.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S020.md)
- [RCW 59.18.030 RCW 59.18.030: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S030.md)
- [RCW 59.18.040 RCW 59.18.040: Living arrangements exempted from chapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S040.md)
- [RCW 59.18.050 RCW 59.18.050: Jurisdiction of district and superior courts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S050.md)
- [RCW 59.18.055 RCW 59.18.055: Notice—Alternative procedure—Court's jurisdiction limited—Application to chapter 59.20 RCW.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S055.md)
- [RCW 59.18.057 RCW 59.18.057: Notice—Form.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S057.md)
- [RCW 59.18.058 RCW 59.18.058: Notice—Translated versions—Legal or advocacy resource information.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S058.md)
- [RCW 59.18.060 RCW 59.18.060: Landlord—Duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S060.md)
- [RCW 59.18.063 RCW 59.18.063: Landlord—Written receipts for payments made by tenant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S063.md)
- [RCW 59.18.065 RCW 59.18.065: Landlord—Copy of written rental agreement to tenant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S065.md)
- [RCW 59.18.070 RCW 59.18.070: Landlord—Failure to perform duties—Notice from tenant—Contents—Time limits for landlord's remedial action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S070.md)
- [RCW 59.18.075 RCW 59.18.075: Seizure of illegal drugs—Notification of landlord.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S075.md)
- [RCW 59.18.080 RCW 59.18.080: Payment of rent condition to exercising remedies—Exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S080.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C18_S055. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.