Mason County occupies a fjord-carved landscape of Hood Canal inlets, old-growth timber, and oyster tidelands on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, southeast of the Olympic Mountains. Its only incorporated city, Shelton, sits at the southern tip of Puget Sound’s Hood Canal arm and serves as the county’s commercial, governmental, and service hub. With a population of approximately 68,000 countywide, Mason County is a genuinely rural Olympic Peninsula county — mostly unincorporated forest and waterfront — with Shelton itself having roughly 10,600 residents. The county’s economy is built around government (5,817 covered jobs), retail, healthcare, construction, and a diverse mix of natural resource industries including timber, oyster aquaculture, and commercial fishing. Mason County is home to two federally recognized tribal nations: the Skokomish Indian Tribe on Hood Canal and the Squaxin Island Tribe near the southern end of Puget Sound, both of which play significant roles in the county’s economy and land use.
The Mason County rental market is defined by a stark divide between the countywide homeownership rate (82.3%) and the rental rate within Shelton city itself (47% renter-occupied). This means that the overwhelming majority of rental activity in the county is concentrated in Shelton, while the vast rural areas of the county are predominantly owner-occupied homes, cabins, and tribal or timberland properties. Median housing costs countywide are approximately $1,298/month. Median household income is approximately $78,359. Unemployment reached 6.2% in December 2025 — slightly above the state average. The county has a long average commute time of 36.1 minutes, reflecting the large number of residents who commute to Olympia and other nearby employment centers. One important operational note: the Mason County Superior Court Clerk’s Office does not accept email or fax requests and has no online documents — all inquiries must be by telephone or U.S. mail.
~68,000 (2024) — 20th most populous WA county; growing ~0.3%/yr
Economy
Government #1; retail; healthcare; timber/wood products; oyster aquaculture; construction; commuter workforce to Olympia
Median HH Income
~$78,359 (2023 county); Shelton city is lower
Median Property Value
$411,800 county; Shelton city ~$345,700
Homeownership
82.3% county (very high); but Shelton city only 53% — rental market concentrated in Shelton
Unemployment
6.2% (Dec 2025) — above WA average; seasonal fluctuations
Tribal Nations
Skokomish Indian Tribe (Hood Canal); Squaxin Island Tribe (South Puget Sound) — tribal land jurisdiction in reservation areas
Clerk Note
No email/fax accepted; no online documents — Clerk’s Office replies by telephone & U.S. mail only
Rent Control
None locally; WA statewide rent cap applies (RCW 59.18.700)
⚡ Eviction At-a-Glance
Nonpayment Notice
14-Day Pay or Vacate (statutory form — RCW 59.18.057)
Lease Violation
10-Day Comply or Vacate
Waste / Nuisance / Unlawful Activity
3-Day Notice to Quit
No-Cause (month-to-month)
Not permitted — just-cause required statewide
Owner Move-In
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Sale of Single-Family Home
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Demolition / Rehab / Change of Use
120-Day Advance Written Notice
Security Deposit Return
30 days after vacancy or notice of abandonment
Rent Increase Notice
90 days advance written notice
Rent Increase Cap
Lesser of CPI+7% or 10% per 12 months (RCW 59.18.700)
Ex Parte Hours
Mon–Thu 3:30 PM; Fri 3:00 PM (in person or virtual)
Courthouse
419 N 4th Street, Floor 2, Shelton, WA 98584
Court Phone
(360) 427-9670 ext. 348
Mason County — Local Rules & Washington State Law Highlights
Topic
Rule / Notes
⚠️ Clerk’s Office — No Email, No Fax, No Online Documents
The Mason County Superior Court Clerk’s Office has an important operational limitation: it does not accept email or fax requests, and Mason County court documents are not available online. All requests for case status, copies of documents, and scheduling information must be made by telephone or U.S. mail. The Clerk’s Office index of cases is searchable at courts.wa.gov using case numbers, but actual documents must be obtained through the Clerk’s Office directly (phone or mail). Payment for copies must be made in advance — no personal checks. Plan for additional lead time for any eviction filing, document retrieval, or record request in Mason County. Clerk: Charles Rhodes • 419 N 4th St, P.O. Box 340, Shelton, WA 98584.
Skokomish & Squaxin Island Tribal Land Jurisdiction
Mason County contains two federally recognized tribal nations with their own reservation lands and tribal court systems. The Skokomish Indian Tribe has a reservation on the Skokomish River delta at the south end of Hood Canal, near Hoodsport. The Squaxin Island Tribe (“People of the Water”) has a reservation on a small island in South Puget Sound near Shelton, and tribal members and tribal trust lands are present throughout the southern county. Properties on tribal trust land within either reservation are subject to the respective tribal court’s jurisdiction — not Washington RLTA or Mason County Superior Court. The Skokomish Tribal Court is located at Skokomish, WA 98584. Before establishing any rental near these reservation boundaries, verify fee-simple vs. tribal trust land status through a title search.
Ex Parte Hearings — In Person or Virtual
Mason County Superior Court holds afternoon ex parte dockets available either in person or virtually at the party’s discretion: Monday through Thursday at 3:30 PM and Friday at 3:00 PM. All paperwork (petition, motion, proposed order, etc.) must be provided to the Clerk’s Office by 2:00 PM on the day of the ex parte hearing. Ex parte proceedings are relevant for obtaining temporary orders in eviction cases and other emergency matters. Confirm current procedures at masoncountywa.gov/departments/superior_court.
Rental Licensing
No county-level rental registration or licensing for standard long-term leases in Mason County. Washington has no statewide landlord licensing statute. The City of Shelton does not currently require general residential rental registration for long-term leases as of 2025. Shelton’s relatively high 47% renter share and diverse tenant population — including 14.2% foreign-born residents — make source-of-income and fair housing compliance especially important in Shelton specifically.
Rent Control & Rent Increase Cap
No local rent control. Washington’s statewide rent increase cap (RCW 59.18.700, effective 2025): annual increases for tenancies of 12+ months capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10%. With unemployment at 6.2% and a significant lower-income tenant base in Shelton, the cap provides meaningful protection. Exemptions (RCW 59.18.710): buildings under 10 years old, single-family residences not in a rental complex, income-based subsidized housing, tenancies under 12 months. 90 days’ advance written notice required for all rent increases.
Just-Cause Eviction
Washington’s just-cause eviction law (RCW 59.18.650) applies statewide. No-cause month-to-month terminations are not permitted. Permitted causes: nonpayment (14-day statutory form), substantial lease violation (10-day cure notice), waste/nuisance/crime (3-day), owner/family move-in (90-day), sale of single-family home (90-day), demolition/rehab/change of use (120-day).
14-Day Notice — Statutory Form Required
Washington’s 14-day pay-or-vacate notice must use the exact statutory form (RCW 59.18.057): separately itemize rent, utilities, and recurring charges; require non-electronic payment (cashier’s check, money order, certified funds) unless the rental agreement provides otherwise; and include the Eviction Defense Screening Line (855-657-8387) and the AG’s website (www.atg.wa.gov/landlord-tenant). A non-conforming notice results in dismissal.
Security Deposit Requirements
No statutory cap on deposit amount under state law. Required: (1) written rental agreement specifying deposit terms; (2) signed written move-in condition checklist at tenancy start (failure = landlord liable for full deposit); (3) deposit held in trust account at Washington-licensed financial institution with written notice of depository to tenant (RCW 59.18.270); (4) return with itemized statement and documentation within 30 days (RCW 59.18.280). No deductions for ordinary wear and tear.
Deposit Installment Plans
Upon written tenant request, landlords must allow deposits and nonrefundable fees to be paid in installments (RCW 59.18.610): 3 monthly installments for leases of 3+ months; 2 otherwise. No fees or interest permitted. Refusal triggers a 1-month rent penalty plus attorneys’ fees.
Source of Income
Statewide prohibition on source-of-income discrimination (RCW 59.18.255). Landlords throughout Mason County may not reject applicants based on Housing Choice Vouchers, public assistance, veterans benefits, Social Security, SSI, or any government/nonprofit benefit. Voucher amount must be subtracted from rent before applying income thresholds. Civil penalty: up to 4.5x monthly rent. The Mason County Housing Authority administers HCV programs. Shelton city’s diverse tenant population — including 14.2% foreign-born residents and a significant Hispanic/Latino community — makes fair housing compliance especially important.
Landlord Entry
Minimum 2 days’ (48 hours’) advance written notice with exact date and time stated (RCW 59.18.150). Entry only at reasonable times. Emergency entry without notice permitted. After one written warning, each unauthorized entry: $100 per violation.
Late Fees
No late fees for rent paid within 5 days of the due date (RCW 59.18.170). Late fees in any court judgment capped at $75 total (RCW 59.18.410).
Mason County Superior Court
Address: 419 N 4th Street, Floor 2, Shelton, WA 98584 Mailing: P.O. Box X, Shelton, WA 98584-0078 Phone: (360) 427-9670 ext. 348 • Fax: (360) 427-7776 Judges: Hon. Amber L. Finlay • Hon. Toni A. Sheldon Commissioner: Richard C. Adamson County Clerk: Charles Rhodes • 419 N 4th St, P.O. Box 340, Shelton, WA 98584 ⚠️ Clerk’s Office: No email or fax requests accepted. No online documents. All requests by telephone or U.S. mail only. No personal checks — payment in advance. Ex Parte Dockets: Mon–Thu 3:30 PM; Fri 3:00 PM (in person or virtual); all paperwork to Clerk by 2:00 PM same day District Court: 419 N 4th St, Shelton • (360) 427-9670 ext. 339 • Judge George Steele • Administrator: Patricia A. Robinson Shelton Municipal Court: 525 W Cota Street, Shelton • (360) 426-9772 • Judge Stephen Greer
Confirm current information at masoncountywa.gov.
Tenant Right to Counsel & Legal Aid
Indigent tenants have the right to a court-appointed attorney in eviction proceedings (RCW 59.18.640) — at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The Eviction Defense Screening Line is 855-657-8387. This must appear on both the 14-day notice and the summons. Northwest Justice Project and Pacific Mountain legal aid providers serve Mason County. The Superior Court Facilitator assists with domestic relations paperwork. The Skokomish Tribal Court and Squaxin Island Tribe may provide legal resources to enrolled tribal members in housing matters.
Tenant Can Cure?Yes - tenant can pay full amount due within 14 days to cure. Payment must first be applied to amounts shown on notice.
Days to Hearing7-20 days
Days to Writ3-5 days
Total Estimated Timeline30-75 days
Total Estimated Cost$300-$800
⚠️ Watch Out
VERY tenant-friendly. Just Cause Eviction statewide (RCW 59.18.650) - landlord must have enumerated cause to evict. 14-day notice must use specific statutory form language including info about legal aid, dispute resolution centers, and right to appointed counsel. Notice must be in multiple languages per AG website. Rent increases capped at 7%+inflation or 10%, whichever lower. 60-day notice for rent increases. Right to counsel for qualifying low-income tenants.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Superior Court - Unlawful Detainer. Pay the filing fee (~$45-60).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Washington eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Washington attorney or local legal aid organization.
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Underground Landlord
🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
Shelton (only city; 47% renter; diverse; commuter town): Shelton is where essentially all of Mason County’s rental market lives. The city has a notably diverse population — 14.2% foreign-born, significant Hispanic/Latino community — and a higher poverty rate than the county as a whole. The tenant base spans government employees (many commuting to Olympia), retail and healthcare workers, construction workers, timber and oyster industry workers, and a significant lower-income population. Screen for stable income from government, healthcare, or construction employment for the most reliable tenants. Source-of-income compliance is critical — housing voucher use is significant here. The 36.1-minute average commute reflects many Shelton residents working in Olympia or other South Sound communities; stable employment there is a good income indicator.
Belfair / North Mason (growing; Kitsap County commuters; new development): Belfair at the northern end of Hood Canal is one of the county’s fastest-growing unincorporated areas, serving as a bedroom community for Kitsap County workers (PSNS via the Belfair bypass) and Olympia commuters. Long-term rental supply is limited and growing. Screen for stable commuter income — Kitsap federal and government workers are a reliable income base in this area.
Hood Canal Waterfront (Hoodsport, Union, Lilliwaup): The Hood Canal shoreline communities are primarily seasonal and recreational — waterfront cabins, oyster farms, and second homes. Long-term rental supply is minimal. Properties in or near the Skokomish Reservation area (Skokomish River delta near Hoodsport) require land status verification before establishing any tenancy.
Clerk’s Office Planning Note: Because Mason County’s Clerk’s Office does not accept email or fax and has no online documents, build extra lead time into any eviction process for document retrieval and mail-based correspondence. Have case numbers ready when calling. Keep copies of all filings — you cannot simply retrieve them online.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Mason County Washington Landlord-Tenant Law: Renting in Shelton, Hood Canal, and the South Puget Sound Peninsula
Mason County is an Olympic Peninsula county of fjords, oyster beds, timber stands, and small waterfront communities surrounding the one urban center on the peninsula’s southern edge — Shelton, the county’s only incorporated city and the hub of virtually all rental activity in the county. With 82.3% homeownership countywide, Mason County as a whole is predominantly owner-occupied — but within Shelton itself, 47% of occupied housing units are renter-occupied, making the city a genuine rental market with a diverse, lower-income tenant base. Shelton’s 14.2% foreign-born population and significant Hispanic/Latino community (the county is 12.1% Hispanic) reflect the agricultural and resource industry workforce that has long been part of the South Puget Sound economy. The county is home to two federally recognized tribes — the Skokomish Indian Tribe on Hood Canal and the Squaxin Island Tribe near the southern Puget Sound — whose reservation lands create tribal court jurisdiction considerations for properties in those areas.
Know the Clerk Before You File: No Email, No Fax, No Online Documents
Mason County Superior Court has an operational quirk that landlords must plan for: the Clerk’s Office does not accept email or fax requests, does not provide online documents, and replies to information requests only by telephone or U.S. mail. This means that retrieving copies of filings, confirming case status, or requesting documents requires either a phone call with a case number ready, or mailing a written request with advance payment. The case index is searchable at courts.wa.gov, but actual documents are courthouse-only. Build extra lead time into any eviction process for document handling in Mason County. The Clerk is Charles Rhodes (419 N 4th St, P.O. Box 340, Shelton, WA 98584). All residential evictions are filed with Mason County Superior Court at 419 N 4th Street, Floor 2, Shelton (mailing P.O. Box X; phone 360-427-9670 ext. 348). Two judges serve: Hon. Amber L. Finlay and Hon. Toni A. Sheldon, with Commissioner Richard C. Adamson. Ex parte dockets are available Monday through Thursday at 3:30 PM and Friday at 3:00 PM, either in person or virtually.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Mason County are filed at Mason County Superior Court, 419 N 4th Street, Floor 2 (P.O. Box X), Shelton, WA 98584 — (360) 427-9670 ext. 348. Clerk’s Office (Charles Rhodes): P.O. Box 340, Shelton, WA 98584 — no email or fax accepted; no online documents; replies by telephone or U.S. mail only. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057); defective notices result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements apply statewide (RCW 59.18.650). Rent increases for 12-month+ tenancies capped at lesser of CPI+7% or 10% with 90 days’ notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination prohibited (RCW 59.18.255). Properties on Skokomish or Squaxin Island tribal trust land may be subject to tribal court jurisdiction — verify land status before establishing any tenancy. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Mason County are filed at Mason County Superior Court, 419 N 4th Street, Floor 2 (P.O. Box X), Shelton, WA 98584 — (360) 427-9670 ext. 348. Clerk’s Office (Charles Rhodes): P.O. Box 340, Shelton, WA 98584 — no email or fax accepted; no online documents available; all requests by telephone or U.S. mail only. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057); non-conforming notices result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements (RCW 59.18.650) apply statewide. Rent increases for 12-month+ tenancies are capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10% with 90 days’ advance written notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination is prohibited statewide (RCW 59.18.255). Properties on Skokomish Indian Tribe or Squaxin Island Tribe tribal trust land may be subject to respective tribal court jurisdiction — verify fee-simple vs. trust land status before establishing any tenancy. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
