Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: 5 Things You Need to Know

So you get a notice that an owner has filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. What to do? If you said, “close the file and write off the balance,” not so fast! Here are 5 things that every manager and board should keep in mind. Deadlines Pass by Quickly… Read More
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics

Many condo and homeowner associations are experiencing an unprecedented rate of bankruptcy filings by owners. Some are current on their dues when they file, some are not. Many file to try and discharge condo or homeowner dues. Both homeowners and ass… Read More
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Change in Resale Certificate Law

Whenever a condominium unit is sold in Washington State, a resale certificate must be prepared disclosing a long list of information which you will find in RCW 64.34.425. The required facts include (but are not limited to) information regarding the a… Read More
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New Definition of "Service Animal"

On March 15, 2011, a new definition of the term “service animal” went into effect, after United States Attorney General Eric Holder signed regulations revising the ADA regulations on this and other issues. The new definition states: “Se… Read More
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Categories: Condominium Laws

Reserve Contributions

What is a “fully funded reserve contribution”? Most condo boards, managers, and reserve study professionals do not understand that the “fully funded balance” is not directly related to the “contribution rate”, and… Read More
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Categories: Condominium Laws

Building Envelope Inspections Gone Bad

In the past month I have been handed 5 different “engineering inspection reports” by construction consultants who have found problems or defects with construction on condominium buildings. Every one has failed to evaluate the building in… Read More
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Categories: Condominium Laws

Update on Carbon Monoxide Sensors

Since my posting last October regarding Carbon Monoxide sensors, the code revisor’s offices and the state have been busy making changes. There is a lot of confusion regarding the imposition of the new requirement, and different players putting… Read More
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Categories: Condominium Laws

FHA Recertification Deadlines

We received an email this week from CAI regarding a change in the FHA recertification process for condominiums. As many of you may know, all FHA approvals granted prior to October, 2008 were scheduled to expire on December 7, 2010. FHA has decided to… Read More
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Smoking in Condominiums

In preparing for a presentation I will be doing this January, I have done a bit of research into whether condo associations can prohibit smoking within their communities. Condo associations almost always have the ability to restrict smoking in common… Read More
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What’s in a Name?

This week I was asked to review a construction contract valued at about $50,000. In addition to problems because the contract was written by the contractor with very favorable terms for the contractor, we discovered that the association used the wron… Read More
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