Next week, the Washington State Chapter and the Oregon Chapter of Community Association's Institute will be hosting their Annual Meeting and Award Galas. read more

U.S. District Judge Richard Berman's recent voiding of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-game suspension caused shockwaves across the NFL. Though the NFL has appealed the judicial ruling, Deflategate is, well, deflated and all but gone. There are, however, valuable lessons to be emphasized for homeowner associations. read more

A couple of years ago Barker Martin anticipated that hoarding would be an issue for community associations to contend with under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act. Since then, the issue has continued to garner greater attention in its effect on the community at large. read more

In almost every walk of life, knowledge is something people seek to obtain. Francis Bacon famously, and succinctly, coined the phrase "knowledge is power." But in the topsy-turvy world of insurance, another famously succinct phrase may be more applicable, "ignorance is bliss." (Thomas Gray). read more

Most every community association possesses discretion to grant a permit, license or variance for specified conduct of its members. For example, a homeowner association that has a 30-foot height limitation for structures on lots conceivably could grant a variance to an owner who wanted to build a 21 foot home due to extraordinary topography conditions. Or perhaps a condominium association could grant a permit for a disabled owner to use an elevator ordinarily restricted to commercial use. There is a limitless set of examples where permits, licenses or variances may be acceptable in the community association context. read more