Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.315
Mediation of disputes by independent third party.
Operative Text
The landlord and tenant may agree in writing to submit any dispute arising under the provisions of this chapter or under the terms, conditions, or performance of the rental agreement, to mediation by an independent third party. The parties may agree to submit any dispute to mediation before exercising their right to arbitration under RCW 59.18.320 .
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.315, Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act allows landlords and tenants to voluntarily resolve disputes through mediation conducted by a neutral, independent third party. This option is available for disagreements arising from the statute itself or from the specific terms of a rental agreement. The parties may choose mediation as a first step before pursuing formal arbitration under RCW 59.18.320, but doing so requires a written agreement between both parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.315 gives property owners and managers a voluntary, lower-cost pathway to resolve rental disputes without immediately escalating to arbitration or litigation. A compliant operator who wishes to use this option typically documents the mutual agreement to mediate in writing, selects an independent mediator acceptable to both parties, and understands that mediation under this section can precede any arbitration rights available under RCW 59.18.320. Keeping clear written records of any mediation agreement helps demonstrate good-faith compliance with the statute's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.315 gives tenants the right to agree—alongside their landlord—to bring disputes to a neutral, independent mediator rather than proceeding directly to arbitration under RCW 59.18.320. This can cover disagreements about the rental agreement's terms, conditions, or performance, as well as issues arising under Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Tenants who want to explore this option may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or housing counselor to better understand how mediation works and what other enforcement paths, such as arbitration, remain available afterward.
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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