Washington Articles

New Decision Gives Washington HOAs Broader Deference in Allocating Assessments

Surowiecki vs. Hat Island Community Association et al. is an important decision for homeowners’ associations throughout Washington State. It gives…

2 years ago

Short-Term Rentals Are a Residential Use in Most Washington Community Associations

With the rise of Airbnb and other similar services, more and more homeowners are looking to rent out their property…

2 years ago

Are Rentals Allowed in an HOA? (WA/OR)

Rentals are a hot button issue for many associations this year. Recent rent increases exceeded 16-year highs, and the number…

2 years ago

What’s the Difference Between HOA Bylaws and CC&Rs?

If you buy a home in a planned community, you'll most likely have to become part of a homeowner association…

2 years ago

7 Ways Boards Can Help Homeowners Follow HOA Rules

There’s a fine line between enforcement of rules and fostering community bonds. Often homeowners will perceive Board Members as being…

2 years ago

Governing Documents of a Community Association

The term 'governing documents' refers to a host of documents, some of which are recorded, some which are filed with…

2 years ago

Architectural Guidelines in Oregon & Washington HOAs

Many community associations are governed by architectural design guidelines. Often, those guidelines are enforced by an architectural review committee (sometimes…

2 years ago

Cultivating Thankful Owners

Community association board membership can be thankless and stressful work. Owners often do not appreciate their board because its work…

2 years ago

Fair Housing Laws, Disabilities and Associations (WA)

42 U.S.C. 3604 (Section 804 of the Fair Housing Act) applies to Homeowners’ Associations and Condominium Owners’ Associations. 42 U.S.C.…

3 years ago

Residential Use Covenant Held to Take Precedence Over Zoning Authorization (WA)

The Washington Court of Appeals issued an unpublished opinion concerning the use of real property earlier this month. The Court…

3 years ago