RCW 59.12.085
Alternative service of summons—Limitation on jurisdiction.
(1) When the plaintiff, after the exercise of due diligence, is unable to personally serve the summons on the defendant or defendants, the court may authorize the alternative means of service described in this section.
(2) Upon filing of an affidavit from the person or persons attempting service describing those attempts, and the filing of an affidavit from the plaintiff, plaintiff's agent, or plaintiff's attorney stating the belief that the defendant or defendants cannot be found, the court may enter an order authorizing service of the summons as follows:
(a) The summons and complaint must be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises unlawfully held not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons; and
(b) Copies of the summons and complaint must be deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, by both regular mail and certified mail directed to the defendant or defendants' last known address not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons.
(3) When service on the defendant or defendants is accomplished by this alternative procedure, the court's jurisdiction is limited to restoring possession of the premises to the plaintiff and no money judgment may be entered against the defendant or defendants until jurisdiction over the defendant or defendants is obtained.
[ 2014 c 3 § 1.]
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 59 - Landlord and Tenant
Chapter 59.12 - Forcible Entry and Forcible and Unlawful Detainer.
59.12.010 - Forcible entry defined.
59.12.020 - Forcible detainer defined.
59.12.030 - Unlawful detainer defined.
59.12.032 - Unlawful detainer action—Compliance with RCW 61.24.040 and 61.24.060.
59.12.035 - Holding over on agricultural land, effect of.
59.12.040 - Service of notice—Proof of service.
59.12.050 - Jurisdiction of proceedings.
59.12.060 - Parties defendant.
59.12.070 - Complaint—Summons.
59.12.080 - Summons—Contents—Service.
59.12.085 - Alternative service of summons—Limitation on jurisdiction.
59.12.090 - Writ of restitution—Bond.
59.12.100 - Service of writ—Bond to stay writ.
59.12.110 - Modification of bond.
59.12.120 - Judgment by default.
59.12.121 - Pleading by defendant.
59.12.130 - Jury—Actions given preference.
59.12.140 - Proof in forcible entry and detainer.
59.12.150 - Amendment to conform to proof.
59.12.170 - Judgment—Execution.
59.12.180 - Rules of practice.
59.12.190 - Relief against forfeiture.
59.12.200 - Appellate review—Stay bond.
59.12.210 - Effect of stay bond.