What is substituted service on a dwelling and when is it permissible?

• A. Posting the summons at the defendant's last known address
• B. Leaving copies with a competent adult at the dwelling after reasonable attempts, if allowed by rule
• C. Service by mail with return receipt
• D. Service by posting at the last known place of business

Answer: (B)

Substituted service on a dwelling is when you don’t hand the papers directly to the defendant, but you leave them with a responsible adult who lives at the defendant’s home after reasonable attempts to serve personally, and only if the rule in your jurisdiction allows this method. The idea is to provide actual notice when direct personal delivery isn’t possible, using a person who is likely to inform the defendant.

This method is permissible only after you’ve shown reasonable diligence to locate and serve the defendant and only when the applicable rules authorize substituted service on a dwelling. The person you hand the papers to must be a competent adult residing at the dwelling, and in many rules you’ll also have to take a follow-up step (like mailing a copy) to ensure notice is complete.

So, the best choice captures both the act—delivering to a competent adult at the dwelling—and the condition—only if the rule allows this form of service after reasonable attempts. Other methods described—such as posting at a place other than the dwelling, or serving by mail—don’t fit this specific dwelling-substitution scenario.