Late last week, the Washington Supreme court issued a split opinion in Surowiecki v Hat Island that means good news for good boards (and great news for my partner, Jeremy Stilwell, and our client!) In the landmark case, the court adopted a standard by which community association board decisions are judged that should provide good board members with some peace of mind read more

Our general counsel group often gets questions from clients about their Association's authority to deal with roads in their communities. Whether the question is about speed limits, parking, towing, or just improving the roadway, the question always requires us to make a number of determinations before being able to answer the question. Following these steps and trying to determine the answers to these questions before contacting counsel may even help communities resolve the ultimate issue with little legal intervention (and less expense!). read more

Washington Chapter of CAI is holding its annual CA Day on November 7, 2020. Like so many events this year, CA Day will be a virtual event! So, sleep in a little, put on something comfortable, and come learn from the comfort of your own home! The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with multiple different classes offered throughout the day on a wide range of topics. read more

Many associations have inquired whether there are any restrictions in taking collections action to recover unpaid assessments. Currently, the Cares Act and other federal laws do not prevent associations from proceeding with collections, including initiating a personal obligation or foreclosure lawsuit. Likewise, there is not a Washington or Oregon state law preventing an association from sending delinquency notice letters, recording liens, or filing lawsuits. read more

You are sitting comfortably when out of the blue, the floor starts to shake and pictures fall from the wall. One of two things is happening: you are at my house for Thanksgiving and I've just ambled toward a third plate or you are experiencing an earthquake. In the last week alone, Oregon has experienced more than 30 small earthquakes. Washington has had 33. A recent NBA summer league basketball game had to be evacuated when a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California. Most experts believe the "big one" in the Northwest is a question of when, not if. read more