Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20 § 59.20.280
Arbitration -- Fee.
Operative Text
The administrative fee for this arbitration procedure shall be established by agreement of the parties and the arbitrator and, unless otherwise allocated by the arbitrator, shall be shared equally by the parties. However, upon either party signing an affidavit to the effect that the party is unable to pay the share of the fee, that portion of the fee may be waived or deferred.
Under Washington's Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act, Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.280, the administrative fee for the arbitration process is set by mutual agreement among the parties and the arbitrator. By default, that fee is split equally between the two sides, though the arbitrator has discretion to allocate it differently. If either party cannot afford their share, they may sign an affidavit of inability to pay, which can result in their portion being waived or postponed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.280, landlords participating in the arbitration process should be prepared to negotiate the administrative fee with the other party and the arbitrator, and to pay an equal share unless the arbitrator decides otherwise. Compliant operators keep records of any fee agreements reached and any arbitrator rulings on fee allocation. If a tenant submits an affidavit of inability to pay, the landlord's own share obligation generally remains unaffected, though the arbitrator retains authority over final allocation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20.280 establishes that tenants have the same standing as landlords in negotiating the arbitration fee, and that the default split is equal between the parties. Tenants who cannot afford their share of the fee have the option of signing an affidavit to that effect, which may result in their portion being waived or deferred. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Washington's Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act can help explain what the affidavit process involves and what other options may be available.
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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