Abandonment in Washington

Overview

Abandonment generally means giving up rights to something. Abandonment can refer to a few different things depending on the context.

Topics

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. RCW 7.100.010

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. RCW 6.13.040

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. RCW 61.12.093

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. RCW 87.03.820 and RCW 57.90.100

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. RCW 36.75.090

Cross-References

Washington