{"id":377108,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-homestead-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-08-03T11:30:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T16:30:56","slug":"washington-homestead-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-homestead-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Homestead Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Homestead Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Washington state homestead laws allow Washington residents to protect their homes from forced sales in collection actions or during a bankruptcy case. The homestead exemption secures the homeowner\u2019s equity in their primary residence. It\u2019s automatic and does not need to be declared or recorded prior to filing for bankruptcy. Washington amended its homestead exemption laws in 2021 to incrase its value.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Washington has safeguards in place to protect your primary residence<\/span> during bankruptcy or collection actions. The Washington state<\/span> homestead exemption<\/span> (RCW<\/span> \u00a7 6.13.010<\/u><\/a>) applies to “real or personal property<\/span>” used as a primary residence<\/span>. Real property<\/span> includes the land that the building or personal property<\/span> sits on, and may include:<\/p>\n