HB 1003: What Spokane Property Managers Need to Know
Spokane’s rental market is getting more complicated as our local representatives continue to pass legislation adding additional responsibilities to Spokane property managers... Enter House Bill 1003, which tweaks how notices are served.
Key Changes to Notice Service
HB 1003 refines how landlords serve termination or compliance notices, particularly when tenants are absent or unreachable.
Here’s what’s new:
1. Certified Mail Requirement: Starting June 27th, Notices sent by mail must now use certified mail, posted from within Washington State, directed to the tenant’s last known address. This replaces the previous 1st-class mail requirement, adding a layer of traceability. Read the bill here.
2. Extended Timeline: When serving notices by mail, landlords must allow five additional days (up from one) before initiating legal action, giving tenants more time to respond. For example, if your serving a 14 day Pay or Vacate Notice, make sure to send the certified mail 5 days prior to day 1 of the 14 Day Notice.
3. Clear Vacate/Comply Date: Notices must specify the exact date by which tenants must vacate or comply, reducing ambiguity in communication. Make sure you are using the required Notice verbiage/forms to be compliant!
For property owners in Spokane’s competitive rental market, HB 1003 means adjusting your notice procedures to avoid legal hiccups. Non-compliance could delay evictions or lead to dismissed cases, costing time and money. Partnering with a professional property management team like Cobalt ensures your notices meet these new standards, keeping your investments protected.
Read HB1003
Cobalt Property Management offers full-service residential management in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, handling everything from tenant screening to legal compliance. Our team stays ahead of legislative changes, so you can focus on growing your portfolio. Give us a call at 509.795.1031 or email us at: hoss@rentcobalt.com
