Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12 § 59.12.085
Alternative service of summons -- Limitation on jurisdiction.
Operative Text
(1) When the plaintiff, after the exercise of due diligence, is unable to personally serve the summons on the defendant or defendants, the court may authorize the alternative means of service described in this section. (2) Upon filing of an affidavit from the person or persons attempting service describing those attempts, and the filing of an affidavit from the plaintiff, plaintiff's agent, or plaintiff's attorney stating the belief that the defendant or defendants cannot be found, the court may enter an order authorizing service of the summons as follows: (a) The summons and complaint must 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 must be deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, by both regular mail and certified mail directed to the defendant or defendants' last known address not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons. (3) When service on the defendant or defendants is accomplished by this alternative procedure, the court's jurisdiction is limited to restoring possession of the premises to the plaintiff and no money judgment may be entered against the defendant or defendants until jurisdiction over the defendant or defendants is obtained.
Washington law under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.085 establishes a court-authorized fallback method for serving eviction summonses when a defendant cannot be located despite genuine efforts. If a landlord files sworn statements documenting failed service attempts and a belief that the tenant cannot be found, a court may permit service by posting the summons on the property and mailing copies to the tenant's last known address, both at least nine days before the return date. Critically, when this alternative method is used, the court's authority is narrowed: it may only rule on restoring possession of the property, and it cannot enter a money judgment against the tenant unless and until the court separately obtains personal jurisdiction over that tenant.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Landlords pursuing an eviction under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.085 who cannot locate a tenant after genuine, documented efforts may petition the court for permission to use alternative service. Compliant operators typically prepare detailed affidavits describing each service attempt and submit a sworn statement—from themselves, an agent, or an attorney—affirming the tenant cannot be found. Operators should be aware that successfully using this alternative method limits the court's jurisdiction to a possession-only ruling, meaning any monetary claims (such as unpaid rent) would need to be pursued separately once personal jurisdiction over the tenant is established.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.085, if a landlord uses court-authorized alternative service—posting and mailing the summons rather than personally serving you—the court's power in that proceeding is legally restricted to deciding who gets possession of the unit. No money judgment can be entered against a tenant through this alternative-service process unless the court later obtains proper personal jurisdiction over that tenant. Tenants who believe this procedure was used improperly, or who want to understand how the jurisdictional limitation may affect any claims against them, may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Washington eviction law.
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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