By now, many communities in Washington will already have prepared, and maybe even had budgets approved, for 2019, but we wanted to get in one last reminder that because WCIOA's budget section applies to all condos and HOAs, your budget may be a little different this year, and you may have a little explaining to do at the budget ratification meeting. But whether the application of the WCIOA budget provision at RCW 64.90.525 is simple or not depends upon whether you are working with an HOA or Condo. Below are some highlights of the differences you may have to explain to owners. read more

As many of you may already know, the Washington Common Interest Ownership Act ("WCIOA") was adopted by the legislature this year and goes into effect on July 1, 2018. read more

Here it is, the Washington Common Interest Ownership Act that we have been talking about for years. It has finally obtained some momentum and is scheduled for a vote in the House TOMORROW, February 22. Problem is, this version of the bill will do far more harm than good for Washington Homeowners. Feel free to copy and paste any part of this article into an email urging your representatives to vote NO on SSB 6175. read more

A lot has been said about community association rules, but most of these discussions center on the content of the rules as opposed to the overall language used or impression the rules give to owners within the community. Yet, there is another aspect of rules to consider. A good set of rules conveys not only what is permissible in a community, but says something about the character of a community. read more

Last week, we discussed how delinquencies affect owners and the lots or units they own. This week, we discuss the effect of bankruptcy, sales and foreclosures on the personal obligation or liens. Generally speaking, an owner's bankruptcy affects the owner's personal obligation to pay the amounts becoming due on or before the bankruptcy filing date, but does not impact the Association's lien against the unit or lot, unless additional steps are taken in the bankruptcy case. If the owner wants to try to remove the lien as part of the bankruptcy case, the Association is entitled to notice of the motion and can object. If an Association receives a bankruptcy motion, legal counsel should be contacted immediately to discuss the Association's options. read more