With the COVID-19 pandemic came both federal and state moratoria prohibiting or limiting commercial and residential evictions. Governor Inslee’s eviction moratorium ends on September 30, 2021. But in the meantime, the Washington legislature passed strict new residential landlord tenant laws that permanently limit landlords’ ability to evict problem tenants. The City of Vancouver also has…
Escrow Relief for Residential Developers!
On May 12, 2021, Governor Inslee signed SB 5024, removing the requirement to place all earnest money received for a common interest community property (condos, subdivisions, etc.) in an escrow account. Now, developers can simply secure a bond, instead and use the earnest money for construction costs. Since July 2018, developers of residential subdivisions and…
Condo and HOA – Avoid Invalid Budgets
Washington condominium and homeowner associations formed before July 2018 need to be aware that the law requires all annual budgets and special assessments to be reviewed and approved by the members. Any budget or special assessment that is not provided to members for approval is invalid. The Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) became…
Pitfalls in Commercial Real Estate Leases
Commercial Property Pitfalls – No Recovery without Harm Just because a commercial lease requires the tenant to maintain a parking lot does not mean the tenant always has to maintain the parking lot – especially if the failure to do so does not cause any harm. Here’s an example of lease terms not being met,…
Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer
Buying real estate for ongoing passive income can be a great long-term investment option. Buyers and sellers of real estate may assume that a real estate lawyer is only needed when there is a dispute between property owners or buyers and sellers. However, hiring a real estate attorney early on in the process of buying…
Property Insurance For Business
Business Property Insurance and Understanding Your Commercial Lease You understand your business, your customers’ needs and how to provide your customers with the most quality service and products. However, understanding the property insurance provisions in your commercial lease is just as important for your business and plays a significant role in protecting your business’ assets…
Don’t Miss the Deadline!
Just last week, the Washington Supreme Court issued a decision in recognizing that options to purchase real estate must be exercised on time, on or before the deadline. This is a long-standing and strictly enforced rule. In Borton & Sons, Inc. v. Burbank Properties, LLC, though, the Court provided additional information about the long-standing but…
Business and Real Estate Recovery
Now that the law and policy changes related to the pandemic have slowed a little, we have all returned to a new – albeit temporary – normal for business and real estate operations. With this blog, we hope to keep you informed on the newest, most relevant COVID-19 information. Business and real estate recovery efforts…
Plans for Recovery and How to Return to Work
As the COVID-19 curve appears to be flatting somewhat, people are starting to think about and plan for coronavirus recovery and how to return to work. The basic outlines of plans are starting to take shape. As we hear details, we will post them here. FEDERAL The White House published a three-phased Opening Up America…
COVID-19 and Force Majeure Clauses in Commercial Leases
April 6, 2020 By: Natalya Belonozhko Coronavirus (COVID-19) and governments’ orders to close non-essential businesses in Oregon and Washington have impacted businesses’ ability to operate in their leased spaces and pay rent under their commercial leases. Force Majeure Clause Most commercial leases include a force majeure clause. A force majeure clause provides for the parties’…