Homeowners' Associations

Question:  Our homeowners' association seems to struggle with assessments, budgets, and running meetings without a lot of tension.  I don't understand why.  It doesn't seem like it should be this way.  What do you think?

Answer:  Hmm.  In Washington Homeowner Associations are governed by state statute.  Every Board member and President should be intimately familiar with all of this statute, and every member of the association should read the statute at least once.  Read the Washington Homeowner's Association law. 

It does take great leadership in your association to diplomatically educate members to the needs of homeowners and to communicate rights and responsibilities to everyone.  The state statute lays out the requirements for how an association is governed, and this should be understood by everyone.  In addition, I strongly recommend that everyone have a basic understanding of Robert's Rules of Order, so that meetings can be run in an orderly and polite manner. 

There is so much to be said about Homeowners' Associations from the proper formation to the operation and management, to assessments, to communicating with members appropriately, to bylaws and state laws, and to resolving disputes. 

Here are some great resources:

Your always welcome to email me if you have a question.  I love to hear from my past law clients as well as potential new clients in my real estate sales practice.

Best regards,

Chuck Marunde, J.D.
Broker/Owner
Sequim & Port Angeles Real Estate
618 South Peabody St., Suite I
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
tel.: 360-775-5424
fax: 866-733-7135
chuckmarunde@gmail.com