Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

SB 5224

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Title: An act relating to preparation charges for condominium resale certificates.

Brief Description: Increasing the charge limit for the preparation of condominium resale certificates.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs and Fraser.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases the amount of the reasonable charge for a condominium resale certificate from $150 to $275.

Hearing Date: 3/16/11

Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180).

Background:

Under the Washington Condominium Act, a condominium unit owner must provide a prospective purchaser with a resale certificate before entering into a contract for the sale or conveyance of the unit. The resale certificate must be signed by an officer or agent of the association and based on that person's actual knowledge and the books and records of the association.

The resale certificate is a very detailed disclosure statement concerning the financial condition and obligations of the association and units within the association. Information that must be disclosed in the resale certificate includes: the association's operating budget and balance sheet; outstanding obligations or unsatisfied judgments against the association; anticipated substantial repair or replacement costs and any reserves for those costs; amount of the monthly common expense assessment and past-due assessments for the selling unit owner; amount of past-due assessments on other unit owners; and a copy of the declaration, bylaws, rules and regulations, and any reserve study prepared by the association.

The condominium association must provide the signed resale certificate within 10 days after a request from a unit owner. The association may charge the unit owner a reasonable amount, not to exceed $150, for preparing the resale certificate.

Summary of Bill:

The maximum amount that a condominium association may charge for the preparation of a condominium resale certificate is increased from $150 to $275.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.