Category Archives: Legislation

It’s Here. Washington State’s Common Interest Ownership Act

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Brian P. McLean

It’s Here. Washington State’s Common Interest Ownership Act by Brian P. McLean Senate Bill (SB) 5263 – the Washington State Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act – was introduced on January 16, 2015, in the State Legislature and referred to the Financial … Continue reading →

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Put this in your Pipe and Smoke it

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Brian P. McLean

Recently I was asked by a national publication to respond to a question about restricting cigarette smoking in condominiums. I drafted the following response. The editor unfortunately removed my humor and any ambiguity. (For example, in the edited version the editor wrote … Continue reading →

Posted in Legislation, Restrictions and Rules | 1 Comment

Resale Certificates and Significant Assets

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Brian P. McLean

Significant Assets and Resale Certificates, by Brian McLean Perfect legislation is aspirational but impossible. The meaning of words change over time. Social customs and values change. These are not novel concepts. In the newly revised Washington State reserve study legislation … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Legislation | 2 Comments

Resale Certificates and the Price of Disclosure

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Brian P. McLean

Resale Certificates and the Price of Disclosure The State Legislature has updated RCW 64.34.425(2). As of July 22, 2011, a reasonable charge for the preparation of a resale certificate may not exceed $275. The former cap, established in 1990, was … Continue reading →

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Reserve Accounts and Studies — New Law, Old Problem

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Brian P. McLean

Reserve Accounts and Studies — New Law, Old Problem You can pay now or someone else will pay later. That used to be the law in Washington State. No longer. Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire signed into law new legislation … Continue reading →

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Hot Roofs, Cool Roofs, and a New Moon

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Brian P. McLean

Shingle roofs or composite roofs? Cool roofs or hot roofs? Gryffindor or Slytherin? To be or not to be? Continue reading →

Posted in Legislation, Restrictions and Rules | 1 Comment

Small Condos to be Exempt from Reserve Studies?

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Brian P. McLean

The State Legislature has proposed an amendment (HB 5461) to the reserve study bill that passed in 2008. The amendment would exempt associations that have fewer than 11 units. There are four obvious flaws with the amendment. One, any association … Continue reading →

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WA State Legislature Proposes Construction Warranty Bills . . . Again

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Brian P. McLean

The Washington State Legislature has proposed two new residential construction warranty bills — HB 1045 and HB 1393. Neither bill affects condominium developments. It’s too early in the legislative session to determine whether the bills have sufficient legs to get … Continue reading →

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Solar Energy and Homeowner Associations

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Brian P. McLean

Solar Panels and Homeowner Associations By Brian P. McLean, Leahy.ps On January 13 and 14, 2009, the State Legislature introduced two bills that would impose limitations on a homeowner association’s ability to regulate the installation of solar energy systems in … Continue reading →

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