Arbitration — Authorized — Exceptions — Notice — Procedure.
RCW 59.18.320
in effect(1) The landlord and tenant may agree, in writing, except as provided in *RCW 59.18.230 (2)(e), to submit to arbitration, in conformity with the provisions of this section, any controversy arising under the provisions of this chapter, except the following: (a) Controversies regarding the existence of defects covered in subsections (1) and (2) of RCW 59.18.070 : PROVIDED, That this exception shall apply only before the implementation of any remedy by the tenant; (b) Any situation where court action has been started by either landlord or tenant to enforce rights under this chapter; when the court action substantially affects the controversy, including but not limited to: (i) Court action pursuant to subsections (2) and (3) of RCW 59.18.090 and subsections (1) and (2) of RCW 59.18.160 ; and (ii) Any unlawful detainer action filed by the landlord pursuant to chapter 59.12 RCW. (2) The party initiating arbitration under subsection (1) of this section shall give reasonable notice to the other party or parties. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the arbitration process shall be administered by any arbitrator agreed upon by the parties at the time the dispute arises: PROVIDED, That the procedures shall comply with the requirements of chapter 7.04A RCW (relating to arbitration) and of this chapter.
(1) The landlord and tenant may agree, in writing, except as provided in *RCW 59.18.230 (2)(e), to submit to arbitration, in conformity with the provisions of this section, any controversy arising under the provisions of this chapter, except the following:
(a) Controversies regarding the existence of defects covered in subsections (1) and (2) of RCW 59.18.070 : PROVIDED, That this exception shall apply only before the implementation of any remedy by the tenant;
(b) Any situation where court action has been started by either landlord or tenant to enforce rights under this chapter; when the court action substantially affects the controversy, including but not limited to:
(i) Court action pursuant to subsections (2) and (3) of RCW 59.18.090 and subsections (1) and (2) of RCW 59.18.160 ; and
(ii) Any unlawful detainer action filed by the landlord pursuant to chapter 59.12 RCW.
(2) The party initiating arbitration under subsection (1) of this section shall give reasonable notice to the other party or parties.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the arbitration process shall be administered by any arbitrator agreed upon by the parties at the time the dispute arises: PROVIDED, That the procedures shall comply with the requirements of chapter 7.04A RCW (relating to arbitration) and of this chapter.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026