Real Property and Conveyances

If there is suspicion or knowledge of a contaminated property, RCW 64.44 walks through the following protocols and proper lanes of communication:

  • If law enforcement discovers that a property is contaminated with hazardous chemicals, they must report it to the local health officer.

  • The local health officer must post a warning sign within one business day after being notified.

  • The officer must inspect the property within 14 days of receiving the report.

For hotels or motels:

  • The warning sign can only be posted on or inside the contaminated room.

  • It cannot be posted in the lobby.

What the warning sign says:

  • It tells people that dangerous chemicals may be present or were recently removed.

  • It warns that entering the property may be unsafe.

If a landlord suspects a tenant contaminated a rental property:

  • And the property has been vacated or abandoned,

  • The landlord must contact the local health officer.

  • Health officers may charge reasonable inspection fees if the landlord requests an inspection.

Health officer authority:

  • The health officer may enter and inspect properties at reasonable times if there is reason to believe contamination exists.

  • If contamination is confirmed, the officer will post a notice stating the property cannot be used until it is cleaned up.

If the property owner refuses entry:

  • The health officer, working with law enforcement, may request a court warrant to inspect the property.

State reporting:

  • Local health officers must report contaminated properties to the state Department of Health through the duty officer line by calling 360-888-0838 or emailing hanalert@doh.wa.gov.

  • The state may share a list of contaminated properties with health groups, landlords, realtors, prosecutors, and others.

  • Once a property is properly decontaminated, it will be removed from the list.

Cleanup:

  • The local health officer may decide when a licensed contractor is required to clean the property.