Sex Offenders and Criminals: Can They Be Banned by a Community?

February 12th, 2018
Posted By
Valerie Farris Oman
Associations generally have the right to regulate their communities. In Washington, this probably includes the right to ban registered sex offenders and other persons with criminal history from living in the community. However, an association’s rig… Read More
Read More
Categories: Fair Housing Act, Governing Documents
Tags: banning criminals, discrimination, duty to protect, fha, registry, sex offender, violent crime

Animals: May a Community Ban or Restrict Them?

February 8th, 2018
Posted By
Valerie Farris Oman
An Association may ban or restrict animals, if the restriction is: A) reasonable; B) enforced uniformly; and C) included in the governing documents. However, there are some exceptions: Service animals An Association may not ban service animals. A ser… Read More
Read More
Categories: Disability, Fair Housing Act
Tags: disability, emotional support animal, fha, reasonable accommodation, service animal, WLAD

Discrimination Against Children

June 24th, 2015
Posted By
Valerie Farris Oman
Associations trying to keep their condominium child free may want to think again. Associations which try to utilize governing documents to discriminate against owners with children could find themselves going up against the Department of Housing &… Read More
Read More
Categories: Board Conduct, Fair Housing Act, Governing Documents

Accommodation of Service Dogs Under Fair Housing Act

May 14th, 2014
Posted By
Valerie Farris Oman
A recent case from Florida highlights the need for Associations to carefully familiarize themselves with the laws regarding service dogs and other types of trained animals that might be needed by persons with disabilities. In Sabal Palm Condos. of Pi… Read More
Read More
Categories: Condominium Laws, Disability, Fair Housing Act
Tags: disability, fair housing act, fha, reasonable accommodation, service animal, service dog