Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12 § 59.12.110
Modification of bond.
Operative Text
The plaintiff or defendant at any time, upon two days' notice to the adverse party, may apply to the court or any judge thereof for an order raising or lowering the amount of any bond in this chapter provided for. Either party may, upon like notice, apply to the court or any judge thereof for an order requiring additional or other surety or sureties upon any such bond. Upon the hearing or any application made under the provisions of this section evidence may be given. The judge after hearing any such application shall make such an order as shall be just in the premises. The bondspersons may be required to be present at such hearing if so required in the notice thereof, and shall answer under oath all questions that may be asked them touching their qualifications as bondspersons, and in the event the bondspersons shall fail or refuse to appear at such hearing and so answer such questions the bond shall be stricken. In the event the court shall order a new or additional bond to be furnished by defendant, and the same shall not be given within twenty-four hours, the court shall order the sheriff to forthwith execute the writ. In the event the defendant shall file a second or additional bond and it shall also be found insufficient after hearing, as above provided, the right to retain the premises by bond shall be lost and the sheriff shall forthwith put the plaintiff in possession of the premises.
Washington's Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.110 establishes a process by which either party in an unlawful detainer or related proceeding can ask a court to adjust the amount of a bond, require a different or additional surety, or otherwise modify bond arrangements. Either side must give the other at least two days' notice before making such an application, and the judge decides what adjustment is fair after hearing evidence. If a defendant's bond is found insufficient and a replacement is not provided within twenty-four hours, or if a second bond is also found insufficient, the defendant loses the right to remain in the premises through bond and the sheriff is directed to restore possession to the plaintiff.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.110, a landlord who is the plaintiff in an unlawful detainer action can petition the court to raise the bond amount or require a stronger surety if the existing bond appears inadequate, provided two days' notice is given to the other side. Compliant operators generally track bond adequacy throughout the proceeding and act promptly when circumstances suggest the bond no longer covers potential losses. If the court orders a new or additional bond and the defendant fails to furnish it within twenty-four hours, the statute directs the sheriff to execute the writ and restore possession to the landlord.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.110, a tenant who has posted a bond to retain possession during a proceeding has the right to apply to the court to lower the bond amount or challenge the surety requirements, as long as two days' notice is given to the other party. Tenants should be aware that if a court orders a new or additional bond and it is not provided within twenty-four hours—or if a second bond is also found insufficient—the right to remain in the premises through bond is forfeited. Tenants facing bond-related hearings may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Washington's unlawful detainer statutes.
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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