(2) If a landlord of residential property is not a resident of this state or is a corporation, the landlord shall designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. The agent shall be a resident of this state or a corporation authorized to transact business in this state. The designation shall be in writing and include the address and the name of the registered agent and shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. If no designation is made and filed or if process cannot be served in this state upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the secretary of state, but service upon him or her is not effective unless the petitioner forthwith mails a copy of the process and pleading by certified mail to the defendant or respondent at the address stated on the assessor's records for the subject property. An affidavit of compliance with this section shall be filed with the clerk of the court.