Beginning July 1, 2019, employers will begin reporting under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. Employers will need to report for each employee, the employee’s name, social security number, and wages paid in the reporting quarter and the associated hours. The report must also include the total amount of premiums deducted from all employees’…

On May 8, 2019, the Governor signed a new law passed by State Legislators which creates additional restrictions on non-compete or non-competition agreements or covenants in Washington State. These agreements, often signed at the onset of employment, restrict a departing employee from competing with their former employer, usually by working for a new employer in…

When a commercial tenant breaches their lease one too many times, the landlord may decide to terminate the lease and evict the tenant. Commercial evictions are very similar to residential evictions. The landlord must comply with the terms of the lease and the applicable law to evict the tenant. Before a landlord can evict a…

When a single individual purchases real estate in “fee simple,” which is outright ownership of the land, they hold a 100% interest in the property. When more than one person owns property together, a “tenancy” situation is created. “Tenancy” here does not mean how it is most commonly used today; no one is renting property…

Can you file a lawsuit against the property owner for your injuries, whether the owner is a public government entity or a private landowner?

All real property conveyances in Washington must be done by written deed. RCW 64.04.010. Deeds often appear simple but are actually densely packed with important information. When conveying real property, we always recommend working with a title company or attorney because even the slightest error can have significant consequences. What are the different kinds of…

A recent court decision is a good reminder of the importance of creating a record and property raising issue during open records appeals of land use and environmental permit decisions.

The Washington Uniform Common Interest Community Act (WUCIOA) became effective on July 1, 2018. It is codified at Chapter 64.90 RCW. This statute implements new rules for common interest communities, including condominiums, planned communities, and co-ops formed on or after its effective date. Many of its provisions may not be waived by formation documents and…

Premium collections for Paid Family and Medical Leave begin January 1, 2019. Employers must begin withholding the premiums from employee paychecks, or plan to cover part or all of the employee’s share. And employers need to start preparing for quarterly reporting by tracking hours and wages for all employees (full-time, part-time, permanent, temporary, and seasonal) as well as tracking total premiums collected from employees.

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