New Washington Law Updates How Landlord Notices Can Be Delivered

Washington State House Bill (HB) 2664 modifies notice requirements in certain landlord-tenant situations. Beginning June 11, 2026, the law allows qualifying notices to be sent via First-Class Mail instead of requiring USPS Certified Mail.

The change reflects legislative findings that Certified Mail requirements did not always improve delivery outcomes. Lawmakers noted that:

• Many recipients did not claim Certified Mail
• Notices were frequently returned as unclaimed
• Delivery delays occurred due to missed delivery attempts
• Compliance costs increased for senders

Because Certified Mail requires a recipient signature or post office pickup, it can introduce additional steps that may prevent successful delivery. In contrast, First-Class Mail is delivered directly to a mailbox without requiring a signature.

Under HB 2664:

• Certified Mail is no longer mandatory for certain qualifying notices
• First-Class Mail is considered sufficient in those cases

The law represents a policy shift toward prioritizing the likelihood that notices are actually received, rather than requiring a specific method of mailing.

Who Is Most Affected and How

The changes under HB 2664 primarily affect landlords and property managers who are responsible for issuing required tenant notices, particularly those managing multiple units or high volumes of communication. These groups may see reduced mailing costs and fewer delays caused by unclaimed Certified Mail, as First-Class Mail is delivered directly to a tenant’s mailbox.

Tenants may also be affected, as the shift could increase the likelihood that they actually receive notices in a timely manner.

At the same time, removing the Certified Mail requirement means there is less built-in tracking and delivery confirmation, which may require landlords and property managers to adopt alternative methods for documenting when notices are sent in order to demonstrate compliance if questions arise.