Attorneys – General Counsel|WSCAI

Application of the 10/25/2021 King County Public Health Order to Common Interest Communities

Jan 3, 2022 | Article, Attorneys - General Counsel, Blog, Chapter Happenings Sponsor, Common Interest Communities, Community Associations, COVID-19, Law Updates, Legal, WA State Law

The King County Public Health Officer issued an order on September 16, 2021, effective October 25, 2021. The Local Health Order requires people ages 12 and older to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test result to enter certain establishments and events, including but not limited to restaurants and bars, gyms, indoor recreational events or establishments, and outdoor events with 500 or more people. A question has arisen as to whether the order applies to gyms, restaurants, and meeting rooms within common interest communities. The text of the order is not clear on the scope of its application. It does not make any exception for members-only establishments. It does refer ambiguously in one place to “public” facilities.

Coronavirus Introduces New Legal Considerations for Common-Interest Communities

Apr 21, 2020 | Article, Attorneys - General Counsel, Blog, Common Interest Communities, Community Associations, Condominiums, COVID-19, HOAs, Legal, WA State, WA State Law

The novel coronavirus compelled communities to confront a number of new challenges with legal implications. The overarching challenge has been for an association to figure out its role in a completely new type of environment.

SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program: Coronavirus Relief Act Offers Loans to Management Companies, Others

Apr 6, 2020 | Article, Association & Management Consulting, Association Management, Attorneys - General Counsel, Banking & Lending, Blog, Common Interest Communities, Community Associations, COVID-19, Financial: Money, Banking, Insurance, Legal, Management Companies, Management Company Resources

Management companies and other vendors hit hard by the coronavirus may have some relief headed their way. On Friday, April 3, 2020, the application process opens for the Small Business Administrations’ Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). This $350 billion emergency program is part of the federal government’s $2 trillion federal coronavirus relief package, officially known as the CARES Act.

Boundary Issues: Associations and Owners Often Face Problems Involving Damage and Repairs that Straddle or Cross Property Lines

Feb 15, 2018 | Arborists, Article, Attorneys - General Counsel, Attorneys - Individual Homeowner Representation, Blog, Common Interest Communities, Dispute Resolution, Landscape: Yard & Garden, Landscaping & Landscape Maintenance, Legal, Pond & Lake Management

A defining moment in many people’s lives is when they purchase their first home. The promise and potential as a new homeowner feels unlimited. What many don’t realize is that the issues you may face as a homeowner—or indeed as a community association— often cross property boundary lines. This article addresses several boundary issues that owners and associations frequently deal with concerning trees, surface water, fences, party walls, retaining walls and boundary lines in general.

Housing for Older Persons – FHA Legal Requirements for Condos and HOAs

Jan 10, 2017 | Article, Association Boards, Attorneys - General Counsel, Attorneys - Governing Documents, Attorneys - Individual Homeowner Representation, Blog, Common Interest Communities, Community Associations, Condominiums, HOAs, Legal, WA State, WA State Law

This article explains the key requirements for communities to maintain their status—and special legal privileges—as “housing for older persons,” which is of greater importance as the population ages.

“Getting away” in an HOA: What can associations do about vacation rentals?

Jan 20, 2016 | Archive, Article, Association Management, Attorneys - General Counsel, Attorneys - Individual Homeowner Representation, Blog, Community Associations, Condominiums, Dispute Resolution, HOAs, Legal, Safety & Security, Security, WA State, WA State Law

Vacation rentals are incredibly popular today. They provide extra income to homeowner “hosts” and inexpensive accommodations for vacationing “guests,” but can impose unwanted burdens on community associations. What can associations do to address these burdens?