Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21 § 59.21.010
Definitions.
Operative Text
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Assignee" means an individual or entity who has agreed to advance allowable relocation assistance expenses in exchange for the assignment and transfer of a right to reimbursement from the fund. (2) "Department" means the department of commerce. (3) "Director" means the director of the department of commerce. (4) "Fund" means the manufactured/mobile home park relocation fund established under RCW 59.21.050 . (5) "Landlord" or "park-owner" means the owner of the manufactured/mobile home park that is being closed at the time relocation assistance is provided. (6) "Low-income household" means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose adjusted income is less than 80 percent of the median family income, adjusted for household size, for the county where the manufactured/mobile home is located. (7) "Manufactured/mobile home park" or "park" means real property that is rented or held out for rent to others for the placement of two or more manufactured/mobile homes for the primary purpose of production of income, except where the real property is rented or held out for rent for seasonal recreational purpose only and is not intended for year-round occupancy. (8) "Relocate" means to do one of the following: (a) Remove a manufactured/mobile home from a manufactured/mobile home park being closed and reinstall it in another location; (b) Remove a manufactured/mobile home from a manufactured/mobile home park being closed and demolish and dispose of it and secure other housing; or (c) Remove a manufactured/mobile home from a manufactured/mobile home park being closed by selling or gifting the home to a third party and secure other housing. (9) "Relocation assistance" means the monetary assistance provided under this chapter, including reimbursement for the costs of relocation as well as cash assistance provided to allow the tenant to secure new housing. (10) "Tenant" means a person that owns a manufactured/mobile home located on a rented lot in a manufactured/mobile home park. (11) "Third party" means a person or persons who purchase or are gifted a tenant's home, with the condition they are responsible for removing the home on or prior to the park closure date and relocate the home under subsection (8)(a) or (b) of this section. The third party is not entitled to relocation assistance related to relocation of the purchased or gifted home.
Washington Revised Code § 59.21.010 establishes the key definitions that govern the entire manufactured/mobile home park relocation assistance chapter. It sets out who qualifies as a landlord, tenant, low-income household, and what actions count as 'relocating,' among other terms. These definitions determine which parties and situations fall within the scope of the relocation assistance program when a manufactured/mobile home park closes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 59.21.010, a 'landlord' or 'park-owner' is specifically defined as the owner of a manufactured/mobile home park at the time it is being closed and relocation assistance is being provided. Operators who are closing a park generally ensure they understand how these definitions apply to their obligations under the broader chapter, particularly regarding which residents qualify as 'tenants' and which households may be considered 'low-income.' Familiarity with terms like 'assignee' and 'fund' can help park owners understand the financial mechanisms available under the relocation assistance program.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 59.21.010, a 'tenant' for purposes of this chapter is specifically a person who owns a manufactured/mobile home situated on a rented lot in a park — meaning the relocation assistance program is designed for homeowners renting land, not renters of the home itself. Residents who believe they qualify under this definition, including potentially as a 'low-income household,' may be entitled to monetary relocation assistance when a park closes under the broader provisions of this chapter. Those seeking to understand their rights under § 59.21.010 et seq. can consult a tenant-rights organization or Washington's Department of Commerce for guidance on the program.
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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