Wash. Rev. Code § 59.20 § 59.20.315
Unlawful detainer action -- Housing court commissioner duties.
Operative Text
(1) By majority vote, the judges of the superior court of the county may authorize housing court commissioners appointed pursuant to RCW 59.18.368 to perform any and all of the following duties in an unlawful detainer action under this chapter: (a) Receive all applications, petitions, and proceedings filed in the superior court related to unlawful detainer actions for residential tenancies covered by this chapter; (b) Order investigation and reporting of facts upon which to base warrants, subpoenas, orders, or directions in actions or proceedings related to unlawful detainer actions for residential tenancies covered by this chapter; (c) For the purpose of this chapter, exercise all powers and perform all the duties of a court commissioner appointed pursuant to RCW 2.24.010 (1); (d) Hold hearings in proceedings related to unlawful detainer cases for residential tenancies covered by this chapter and make written reports of all such proceedings, which shall become a part of the record of the superior court; (e) Provide such supervision in connection with the exercise of its jurisdiction as may be ordered by the presiding judge; and (f) Cause the orders and findings to be entered in the same manner as orders and findings are entered in cases in the superior court. (2) All acts and proceedings of a housing court commissioner are subject to revision by the superior court as provided in RCW 2.24.050 .
Washington Revised Code § 59.20.315 establishes a framework under which superior court judges, by majority vote, may authorize housing court commissioners to handle unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings involving manufactured/mobile home tenancies covered by Chapter 59.20. When authorized, these commissioners can receive filings, conduct hearings, issue investigative orders, and enter findings with the same effect as a superior court judge. Importantly, any action taken by a housing court commissioner remains subject to review and revision by the superior court under RCW 2.24.050, preserving a layer of judicial oversight.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 59.20.315, landlords initiating an unlawful detainer action in a county that has authorized housing court commissioners should be prepared for their case to be received, heard, and decided by a commissioner rather than a judge. Compliant operators typically ensure all filings, petitions, and supporting documentation are complete and properly formatted, since commissioners have full authority to manage the proceedings. Because commissioner rulings can be revised by the superior court, landlords generally familiarize themselves with the revision process outlined in RCW 2.24.050 as part of understanding how the local court system handles these matters.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 59.20.315 means that if you are a tenant in a manufactured or mobile home park facing an unlawful detainer action, your hearing may be conducted by a housing court commissioner rather than a superior court judge, depending on the county. Tenants should be aware that a commissioner's decisions carry the weight of a court order but are not necessarily final — the superior court retains the authority to revise those decisions under RCW 2.24.050. Tenants who believe a commissioner's ruling was incorrect may wish to explore that revision process, and consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Chapter 59.20 proceedings can help clarify available options.
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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