I think we can all agree that social media is becoming more and more pervasive. What used to be an occasional diversion to reconnect with high school friends, has become a significant source of news and social and political engagement for everyone from the Greatest Generation to Gen Z'ers. Of course, this includes homeowners and board members, many of whom believe social media should be a public square to discuss and debate association issues, and even to allow owners to air grievances. However, whether or not social media is a good thing for community associations is debatable. read more

If an Association fails to act in a timely matter, its suit will be lost forever. read more

I was reminded this week of a common pitfall: Don't choose your authority to fit the argument you're trying to make at the time. read more

After a judgment and decree of foreclosure was entered, a sheriff's sale was held where you were the winning bidder/purchaser, but when do you actually become the legal, title owner of the property? read more

A new Seattle ordinance, effective February 19, 2018, prohibits landlords from screening tenants based upon their criminal records. According to its proponents, the law, unanimously adopted by the Seattle City Council last August, is intended to lower barriers to housing for people with criminal histories, who are often rejected by landlords. Opponents of the measure argued, among other things, landlords' ability to use criminal background information to protect property and other residents was an important tool. Whether other cities in the Pacific Northwest will adopt similar measures is unclear, but the Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, SMC Chapter 14.06, is now law in the City of Seattle. Keep in mind that similar restrictions exist beyond Seattle in the federal Fair Housing Act, where associations with tenant screening restrictions are not able to obtain FHA financing. read more