Abandonment in Washington
Contents
Abandoned residential property; definition
Residential property is considered abandoned when there are no signs of occupancy and at least three indications of abandonment listed in the statute are visible from the exterior. [1]
Abandonment of Homestead Exemption
An owner of property cannot claim more than one parcel as their homestead for exemption purposes. The owner must decide which one they want to claim as their homestead and must record a Declaration of Abandonment for all other parcels with the County where each property is located. [2]
Abandoned redemption rights in judicial foreclosure
In an action to foreclose mortgages on improved real property, if the court finds that the mortgagor or his/her successor has not occupied the property, nor made payment on the mortgage within six (6) months prior to entry of the judgment of foreclosure, there is prima facie evidence of abandonment and the purchaser at the sheriff’s sale shall take title to such property free from redemption rights specified in the statute upon confirmation of the sale by the court. [3]
Abandoned irrigation district right-of-way
Upon the abandonment of an irrigation district right-of-way, if the property is to be sold, notice shall be given to the owners of lands adjoining that real property and such owners shall have a right of first refusal to purchase all or any part of the real property to be sold. [4] [5]
Abandoned state highways
Upon the abandonment of a public highway, the Secretary of Transportation will execute a deed conveying the abandoned highway, or a portion thereof, to the county or city where the highway is located, as applicable. [6]
