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Unclaimed Property in Washington Laws and Regulations

Learn how to find and return property with WA unclaimed property laws and regulations

By Emmet McMahan
Unclaimed property in Washington laws and regulations are based partially on the common law of property. This generally means that unclaimed property is property which has left the rightful owner’s possession without directly entering another owner’s possession.

The disposition of unclaimed property of Washington depends on the specific circumstances under which it is found. There are three types of unclaimed property:
  1. Lost property is found in a location where the owner did not intend to leave it and is not likely to find it. The finder of state of Washington unclaimed property is entitled to possession against everyone but the true owner. One exception to this rule occurs when a trespasser finds lost property while on private land.
  2. Mislaid property is found in a location where the owner did intend to leave it and simply forgot to pick it up. Mislaid property must be returned to the owner.
  3. Abandoned property is found in a place where the owner intended to leave it. However, the condition of the property is such that it is unlikely that the true owner intends to reclaim it. Abandoned property belongs to the finder.

 

Learn about the laws regarding the owners of unclaimed property in WA

Laws on unclaimed property are frequently used to determine the circumstances under which property must be returned to the owner. Unclaimed property laws and regulations are a resource for owners who wish to locate their unclaimed property. Contact the Washington Department of Revenue to locate your own property.
Try: The Sheriff's Office of Kittitas County provides the procedure that allows owners to locate their own property through the Property Division. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions offers an overview of unclaimed property laws in Washington with regard to financial institutions.

Examine unclaimed property state of Washington laws for holders

Unclaimed property laws describe the requirements for holders of unclaimed property to return the property to the rightful owner. They can determine when ownership of the unclaimed property passes to the holder.
Try: The Washington State Department of Revenue summarizes the obligations of businesses, such as restaurants, that are holding unclaimed property. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General provides an analysis of the obligation for holders of unclaimed property in Washington.

Review laws on unclaimed property in Washington state for finders

Unclaimed property laws for finders address procedures for how finders charge owners for locating, delivering, recovering or assisting in the recovery of their unclaimed property. Unclaimed property laws for finders may also cover the rights of the state to recover compensation for unclaimed property.
Try: The Washington State Legislature provides the portion of the Revised Code of Washington that specifically addresses finders of unclaimed property. The Municipal Research and Services Center provides information on the City Code of Edmonds, which covers found property within that city.

 

  • The Uniform Unclaimed Property Act is a key piece of federal legislation that affects Washington unclaimed properties. The Act seeks to address the problems of unclaimed property that arise from its origins in English common law. The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws first drafted the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act in 1981 and last revised it in 1995.

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