Washington State Implements New Certified Mail Mandate for Landlords HB1003
When it comes to legal notices, certain pieces of mail can’t be left to chance. Across the country, USPS Certified Mail is often mandated by law to ensure delivery of sensitive, time-critical documents, giving senders proof that they mailed it, and proof that the recipient got it (or at least that an attempt was made).
Whether you’re dealing with eviction notices, contract terminations, court documents, or compliance communications, USPS Certified Mail provides that extra layer of accountability—something many industries are required to maintain by law.
Washington State’s HB1003: What Landlords Need to Know
A perfect illustration of these USPS Certified Mail requirements comes from Washington State. Beginning on July 27, 2025, House Bill 1003 (HB1003) introduces new mandates for landlords when serving termination notices to tenants.
Under the law, if a landlord can’t personally serve the tenant, they must:
- Leave the notice with a person of suitable age and discretion at the premises, and
- Send a copy via USPS Certified Mail, prepaid to the tenant’s last known address.
Oh—and the notice must include the specific date by which the tenant needs to comply or vacate.
Also, when serving notices by USPS Certified Mail, landlords must allow an additional five days for delivery (again, from within the state of Washington) before initiating an unlawful detainer action (a.k.a. eviction proceedings).
Who Does This Affect?
This isn’t just a heads-up for landlords. It’s a wake-up call for:
- Property managers: Missing a deadline or serving a notice incorrectly could delay evictions and open the door to legal disputes.
- Legal professionals: Ensuring proper service is now a legal minefield if you’re not factoring in mailing timelines and method-specific delays.
- Real estate investors: Every day of delay can impact occupancy, cash flow, and ROI, especially when timing affects your ability to act.
- Compliance teams: This law is just one example of how fast regulations can change, and if you’re not staying ahead, you’re already behind.
The USPS Certified Mail process is no longer just a “nice to have” — in many cases, it’s a compliance requirement. Not following it? That could mean legal delays or worse.
Where to Read the Full Bill – HB1003
If you want to review the official language of the legislation, you can find it directly on the Washington State Legislature’s site here: Washington State Legislature – HB 1003 Summary
Mailing Compliance: The Bigger Picture
As laws like HB1003 become more common, businesses across the U.S. need to keep up with changes in mailing compliance, especially for legal documents and time-sensitive communications. USPS Certified Mail remains one of the most trusted ways to ensure you’re doing things by the book.
So while Washington landlords need to pay close attention to where their Certified Mail is postmarked, most other industries and states can still take advantage of the speed and convenience of sending important mail, like Certified Mail, online. Click here to learn more.
LetterStream’s Online USPS Certified Mail
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Sources:
- HB 1003 Washington State Legislature
- Washington House Bill 1003 – Changes to Termination Notices – Multifamily NW
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