To allow the service of a legal document by certified mail to an appropriate address when a tenant cannot physically locate a landlord.   Official Text and Analysis.

By Representative Bush. He testified that a similar bill has had wide support in the House in prior sessions. The bill is about justice; it provides an opportunity for tenants to serve landlords in very limited circumstances when there are no other options. It doesn't affect most landlords. The bill intentionally does not require a landlord to give a physical address because of safety concerns, but allows an alternative means for tenants to have redress.
Testimony against: none offered.

To allow service of a landlord by sending the legal documents by regular and certified mail to the address posted on the property owner's tax statement, address provided by the landlord to the tenant for payment of rent, or address provided by the landlord for service of notice or process. This option can only be used if the tenant, after exercising due diligence, is unable to determine the physical location of the landlord from the required statement, posting or notice provided by the landlord. The superior or district court with jurisdiction will deem service through this procedure adequate notice of the action. The state law excluding post office boxes from the definition of a "usual mailing address" for service of process is amended to explicitly allow an exception for the service of landlords as described in this bill.

Regarding tenant and landlord communication.

The bill did not pass both chambers during the 2003 regular session, so the bill automatically returned to the House Rules Committee when the regular 105-day session adjourned on April 27, 2003.

And active in the 2004 Legislative Session.

To clarifiy that the provisions of this bill do not apply to service of process, only service of notice. It is further clarified that the method contained in this bill for service of notice is only applicable to violations of landlord duties under RCW 59.18.060 of the Residential Landlord Tenant Act.