Washington law

Real Estate Laws in Washington.

Washington real-estate law is governed principally by Title 64 (Real Property and Conveyances) and Title 65 (Recording, Registration, and Legal Publication). Washington uses the deed of trust as the standard security instrument with non-judicial foreclosure authorized by the Deeds of Trust Act (RCW 61.24). Washington's Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A), enacted in 1990, requires many counties and cities to adopt comprehensive plans establishing urban growth areas and concurrency requirements — a nation-leading land-use regime. The Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) regulates development within 200 feet of designated shorelines.

Last verified: 2026-04-20

State law

Key Washington Statutes

Real Property and ConveyancesRCW 64

Washington's principal real-property title — covering deeds, conveyances, easements, covenants, and condominiums.

Deeds of Trust ActRCW 61.24

Washington's deed-of-trust foreclosure statute — provides for non-judicial foreclosure subject to statutory notice, mediation, and cure provisions. Significantly amended after 2008 to expand borrower protections.

Growth Management ActRCW 36.70A

Washington's 1990 land-use framework — requires counties and cities meeting population and growth thresholds to adopt comprehensive plans with urban growth areas, concurrency, and critical areas protection.

Shoreline Management ActRCW 90.58

Regulates development within 200 feet of designated shorelines of the state, administered through local Shoreline Master Programs and the Department of Ecology.

State law

Official Sources

Washington Legislature — Title 64 (Real Property)Washington Department of Commerce — Growth Management Washington Department of Ecology — Shoreline Management

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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Real Estate Laws in Washington.

Key Washington Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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