Washington law

Construction Defect Laws in Washington.

Washington construction-defect claims are subject to a 6-year statute of repose under RCW 4.16.310, running from substantial completion of the improvement. The personal-injury statute of limitations is 3 years (RCW 4.16.080); written-contract claims are subject to a 6-year limitation (RCW 4.16.040). Washington applies pure comparative fault (RCW 4.22.005) — recovery is reduced by plaintiff's percentage of fault but is not barred. Washington's Condominium Act (RCW 64.34) imposes specific warranty obligations on developers.

Last verified: 2026-04-20

State law

Statute of Limitations

3 years (tort) / 6 years (written contract); 6-year statute of reposeRCW 4.16.080; 4.16.040; 4.16.310

Tort claims generally must be filed within 3 years. Written contract claims are subject to a 6-year limitation. Washington's statute of repose under RCW 4.16.310 caps construction claims at 6 years from substantial completion of construction.

State law

Key Washington Statutes

Construction Statute of ReposeRCW 4.16.310

Washington's 6-year statute of repose for claims arising from construction, alteration, or repair of improvements to real property — an outside bar running from substantial completion.

Washington Condominium Act — Implied WarrantiesRCW 64.34

Washington imposes implied warranties of quality on condominium developers — a significant framework for multifamily construction-defect litigation.

State law

Official Sources

Washington Legislature — RCW 4.16.310

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Washington.

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Construction Defect Laws in Washington.

Statute of Limitations

Key Washington Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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