RCW 61.24.163
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Washington Foreclosure Mediation Program requirements. SB 5686 expanded this program to cover HOA assessment lien foreclosures.

Status Active
Verified Oct 11, 2026
Source Official text

Reviewed · 11 dependent article updates in 12 months · Washington changes feed

Change History 1 verified change on record
In force Jan 1, 2026 Statute amended

E2SSB 5686 (Chapter 393, Laws of 2025) extended Washington's foreclosure mediation program to association foreclosures. RCW 61.24.163(1) now applies "to borrowers or unit owners who have been referred to mediation by a housing counselor or attorney." For association foreclosures, within 23 days of the department's notice the association must send the mediator and the unit owner documents that include "An itemized ledger for the preceding 12 months, or since the assessments became past due, whichever is longer." Effective January 1, 2026.

Before
(1) The foreclosure mediation program established in this section applies only to borrowers who have been referred to mediation by a housing counselor or attorney.
After
(1) The foreclosure mediation program established in this section applies only to borrowers or unit owners who have been referred to mediation by a housing counselor or attorney.
…
(7) For association foreclosures: (a) Within 23 days of the department's notice that the parties have been referred to mediation, the association shall transmit the documents required for mediation to the mediator and the unit owner. The required documents include: (i) An itemized ledger for the preceding 12 months, or since the assessments became past due, whichever is longer. The ledger shall include an itemized list of all dues, fines, …
The change in full →
Statutory Text Verified Jul 17, 2026 · LEG_WA_GOV
(1) The foreclosure mediation program established in this section applies only to borrowers or unit owners who have been referred to mediation by a housing counselor or attorney. The mediation program under this section is not governed by chapter 7.07 RCW and does not preclude mediation required by a court or other provision of law. (2) For deed of trust foreclosure, the referral to mediation may be made any time after a notice of default has been issued but no later than 90 days prior to the date of sale listed in the notice of trustee's sale. If an amended notice of trustee's sale is recorded after the trustee sale has been stayed pursuant to RCW 61.24.130 , the borrower may be referred to mediation no later than 25 days prior to the date of sale listed in the amended notice of trustee's sale. If the borrower has failed to elect to mediate within the applicable time frame, the borrower and the beneficiary may, but are under no duty to, agree in writing to enter the foreclosure mediation program. (3) For association foreclosures, the referral to mediation may be made as specified in RCW 61.24.155 (7). If the unit owner has failed to elect to mediate within the applicable time frame, the unit owner and the association may, but are under no duty to, agree in writing to enter the foreclosure mediation program. (4) A housing counselor or attorney referring a borrower or unit owner to mediation shall send a notice to the borrower or unit owner and the department, stating that mediation is appropriate. (5) Within 10 days of receiving the notice, the department shall: (a) Send a notice to the beneficiary or association, the borrower or unit owner, the housing counselor or attorney who referred the borrower, and the trustee, if applicable, stating that the parties have been referred to mediation. The notice must include the statements and list of documents and information described in subsections (6) and (7) of this section and a statement explaining each party's responsibility to pay the mediator's fee; and (b) Select a mediator and notify the parties of the selection. (6) For deed of trust foreclosures: (a) Within 23 days of the department's notice that the parties have been referred to mediation, the borrower shall transmit the documents required for mediation to the mediator and the beneficiary. The required documents include an initial homeowner financial information worksheet as required by the department. The worksheet must include, at a minimum, the following information: (i) The borrower's current and future income; (ii) Debts and obligations; (iii) Assets; (iv) Expenses; (v) Tax returns for the previous two years; (vi) Hardship information; (vii) Other applicable information commonly required by any applicable federal mortgage relief program. (b) Within 20 days of the beneficiary's receipt of the borrower's documents under this subsection, the beneficiary shall transmit the documents required for mediation to the mediator and the borrower. The required documents include: (i) An accurate statement containing the balance …
Enforcement
Ref Requirement
(1) If your association moves to foreclose for unpaid assessments, a housing counselor or attorney can refer you to the state's foreclosure mediation program to work out an alternative.
(7)(a) Once the state notifies the association of a mediation referral, the board has 23 days to send the mediator and the owner an itemized ledger of what is owed, every association lien on the unit, and the governing documents.
Referenced By
Other sections in this chapter
Legal references last verified October 11, 2026. This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
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