Washington · By role
Buying or selling a Tier 2 building
Last updated · Checked against primary sources
Short answer
Does a Tier 2 filing transfer with a building sale?
The duty sits with the building's owner, so a buyer takes it on. The report is due July 1, 2027. A recent change of ownership is an accepted reason for an extension, which can be requested from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2028. Vacant or distressed buildings may qualify for an exemption, applied for by about January 1, 2027.
Key factsChecked November 11, 2026
- Deadline
- July 1, 2027 WAC 194-50-160
- Extension reason
- Recent change of ownership Commerce Tier 2 page
- Extension window
- January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2028 Commerce Tier 2 page
- Benchmark disclosure
- To a prospective buyer, lessee or lender RCW 19.27A.170
- Penalty
- Up to $0.30 per sq ft Commerce Tier 2 page
Diligence checklist
| Ask the seller for | Why |
|---|---|
| Commerce's notification letter and the building's Clean Buildings Portal record | Confirms coverage and who Commerce has as owner |
| Portfolio Manager property ID and shared access | Benchmarking is the base of the filing; owners must disclose it to a buyer, lessee or lender (RCW 19.27A.170) |
| Any Tier 2 filing already made, and Commerce's response | An accepted filing carries less risk |
| The O&M program and Energy Management Plan | Both are required and must be kept up after filing |
| Incentive status | The incentive requires full compliance and is paid by participating utilities from limited funds |
Key dates
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| About January 1, 2027 | Last safe date to apply for an exemption |
| January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2028 | Extension window; a recent change of ownership is one of Commerce's accepted reasons |
| July 1, 2027 | Compliance report due |
Penalties
Commerce may issue penalties of up to $0.30 per square foot for a building that doesn't submit, by progressive legal notice. See Deadlines and penalties.
For brokers
If a deal involves a Tier 2 building, we can quote the filing, exemption or extension per building so your client has a clear next step. For clients you introduce, we apply a credit to the client's invoice. Request a quote.
We prepare filings; a partner Qualified Energy Manager reviews and signs. We don't give legal or real-estate advice, and RCW 19.27A.170 does not change a broker's own disclosure duties.
Steps and figures on this page were read on the linked sources on November 11, 2026.
Clean Buildings Associates is a private company. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Washington State Department of Commerce, or any utility. Utility programs and steps change; confirm on the utility's page before you act.
Want it done for you?
Send the address and floor area. We confirm coverage, estimate the incentive and quote a flat fee per building.
Reply within 1 business day. No call required.