A significant amendment to Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act requiring most employers to include pay ranges, benefits, and other forms of compensation in job listings came into effect on January 1, 2023.[1] As we discussed here several months ago, these requirements represent a major change from the previous version of the law, which only…

Both Washington State and federal law protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination, including discrimination that may result from municipal zoning ordinances. Because the scope of the protections afforded under state and federal law differ, it is possible for a zoning action to comply with one while violating the other. As a result, it is important…

Whether you live in Skagit, Whatcom, or San Juan County, here in the Pacific Northwest chances are there are trees in your yard, your neighbor’s yard, or a family member’s yard, and there may be no fence separating one property from the next. There is also a good possibility there has not been a recent…

Pay Ranges and Benefits Information to be Required in Job Postings Starting January 1, 2023 A significant change coming to Washington pay transparency law next year has slipped under the radar for many employers. Starting January 1, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees will be required to post a wage scale or salary range…

Unfortunately, there are regular reports of drug use and manufacturing throughout our communities in Washington. If you are a property owner, questions could arise about what happens if you buy a property contaminated by past drug use or, if you are a landlord, what happens if your tenant contaminates your property. Thankfully, there is a…

It used to be that if you had physical stuff (also known as tangible personal property or “TPP” for short) you wished to pass on at death to someone in particular (for example, “I give grandma’s diamond ring to cousin Tansy” etc.) then that gift language needed to be written into your will. That’s easy…

Whenever real property is co-owned by multiple individuals, disputes are bound to happen. The owners may disagree about how to develop or maintain the property, whether to sell the property, and so on. The rights of each individual and how disputes among them may be settled depend greatly on the kind of tenancy at play,…

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature made significant changes to Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA).[1] One of the most noteworthy changes is a new provision that restricts landlords ability to refuse to renew a month-to-month rental agreement to when one of sixteen listed “causes” applies.[2] Interestingly this new section impacts an often-overlooked area of landlord-tenant…

In honor of the close of Women’s History month, it seemed a good time to share a quick primer on the origins of community property law in Washington State and its connection to women in Washington. What is community property? Community property is property owned by both spouses equally. Separate property is property owned only…

It’s easy to get lost in the mountains of paperwork when purchasing real estate. One document in that mountain, called the commitment to issue title insurance, is both extremely important and guaranteed to make most folks’ eyes glaze over. A potential buyer of property will receive a commitment to issue title insurance after both buyer…