House Passes Certified Mail Fix Bills to Improve Notice Requirements

This week, SHB 2452 and HB 2664 cleared a major hurdle, with both bills passing the Washington State House unanimously by a 96 to 0 vote. WMFHA has worked extensively with stakeholders and legislators to ensure a clear path forward for this priority legislation as it moves to the Senate.

Last session’s changes to RCW 59.12.040 significantly altered how unlawful detainer and rent increase notices must be served. Since those changes took effect, implementation has revealed serious challenges. Housing providers report that more than 60 percent of mailed notices are being returned. At the same time, costs and administrative burdens have increased sharply, in some instances by more than 130 percent.

Notice requirements are intended to ensure residents actually receive important information. When notices are returned unopened, that goal is not being met. The current service requirements are expensive, time consuming, and difficult to administer. They divert staff time away from tenant services, property operations, and meaningful compliance efforts without improving communication.

Both bills are necessary to fully resolve the issue. HB 2664 and SHB 2452 address different parts of the same problem created by last year’s policy changes. Advancing only one would leave gaps and preserve ongoing inefficiencies.

The bills have now been referred to the Senate Committee on Housing, where they await a hearing. WMFHA contract lobbyist Krystelle Purkey has requested hearings and is continuing to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to support their passage.

We thank Rep. April Connors, Rep. Nicole Macri, and Rep. Peterson for their leadership and collaboration in advancing these bipartisan solutions. Their work reflects a strong commitment to ensuring housing policy functions effectively in practice.

WMFHA will continue advocating for both bills as they move through the Senate and will keep members informed on next steps.