Real Estate Development Finance Archives

Move Over, Easement! A Brief Guide to Washington’s Uniform Easement Relocation Act

Ryan Swanson attorney Matthew Reinikka dives into Washington’s adoption of the Uniform Easement Relocation Act (UERA), a significant shift in property law that allows servient estate owners to relocate easements without the easement holder’s consent—something courts previously prohibited. In this article for the WSBA Real Property, Probate & Trust Section Newsletter, Matt unpacks the history behind the change, explains how the UERA works, and offers practical takeaways for attorneys navigating this new legal landscape. >> READ ARTICLE <<

What Seattle’s Suspension of Personal Lease Guarantees Means for Commercial Landlords and Tenants

Published on August 19, 2020 On July 31, 2020, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed Ordinance 12166 which aims to protect small business tenants and nonprofits from enforcement of “personal liability” provisions of lease agreements. In response to COVID-19, on March 3, 2020, Mayor Durkan issued a proclamation of civil emergency (the “Civil Emergency”). The Civil Emergency is ongoing. Additionally, Governor Inslee has issued numerous proclamations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including ones that affect how businesses operate, the occupancy

Ongoing Construction Projects Allowed to Restart with Safety Restrictions

Published on April 27, 2020 Governor Inslee announced on Friday, April 24, 2020 that work on ongoing construction projects may continue if certain safety restrictions are upheld on the job site. This is the first of what may be a series of phased loosening of restrictions for Washington. This announcement is an addendum to the Stay Home Stay Healthy Proclamation 20-05. Governor Inslee worked with a variety of contractors, health safety experts, local governmental officials, and construction works to compile the

COVID-19: Seattle Creates Protections for Small Business and Nonprofit Tenants

Published on April 20, 2020; Updated on 8/17/2020 Update – August 14, 2020 On August 14, 2020 Mayor Durkan issued another Executive Order extending the moratorium on small business and nonprofit evictions through December 31, 2020, or the termination of the Civil Emergency (whichever occurs earlier). — In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local governments throughout the country have enacted emergency measures to help small businesses and nonprofit corporations impacted by reduced operations and forced closures due

COVID-19 Impact on Construction and Development in Washington

Published on April 14, 2020, Updated on May 1, 2020 On March 23, 2020, Governor Inslee issued his Stay Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation 20-05, generally directing all residents to immediately stay home. On March 25, 2020, Governor Inslee issued an exception to Proclamation 20-05 called the Construction Guidance Proclamation 20-25, allowing certain construction and development work to continue in limited circumstances. The Governor’s Proclamations 20-05 and 20-25 have now been extended until May 31, 2020. Under the Construction Guidance, construction

What the Residential Eviction Moratorium Means for Washington Landlords and Tenants

Published on April 7, 2020; Updated May 4, 2020 On March 18, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-19, which imposed a statewide moratorium on evictions in Washington. The proclamation is one of many recently handed down as a result of the recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak across the world. As many across the state have already experienced layoffs or reduced work hours due to the virus’ impact on business operations, the Governor expects many will struggle to pay rent and face

Governor Inslee Signs Two New Landlord-Tenant Bills into Law

Published on May 31, 2019 With the recent adjournment of the Washington state legislature’s regular session for 2019, Governor Jay Inslee signed two landlord-tenant bills into law. Together, SB 5600 (eviction reform) and HB 1440 (notice of rent increases) are heralded as the largest overhaul of Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act since its original codification in the 1970s. Among the changes is a significant increase in the amount of notice a landlord must give to a residential tenant if the tenant

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