- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
- PORTLAND: 971-416-0881
- OLYMPIA: 360-742-3500
Helping real estate owners with the condo conversion process
Converting your leased property into condominiums is never a simple task. The process in Washington State involves many specific steps and requirements that property owners must follow and meet in order for the conversion to be successful and in accordance with the law. If you are considering the conversion of your property into condos, you should always have the assistance of a real estate lawyer who is familiar with the process and all applicable laws.
At the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, our lawyers understand how to assist with condo conversions to ensure your conversion is completed in the most efficient and compliant manner possible.
CALL OUR OFFICE IN SEATTLE OR TACOMA AT (253) 572-1000 OR (206) 621-1110 TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN HELP YOU.
The condo conversion process
During a condo conversion, the sole owner of a rental property reorganizes the way the property is owned and managed. Instead of having one party who owns and manages the entire multi-unit property and leases units to others, the units are each sold to individual buyers who then share in the management and ownership responsibilities of the common areas. This process, however, is more complicated than one may imagine, must follow Washington condominium laws1, and generally requires the following:
- Housing code inspection and completion of all necessary repairs
- Issuance of a Notice of Condominium Conversion and public offering statement
- Offer units for sale and providing purchasers with specific documents set out by the Washington Condominium Act.
- File a declaration to convert into condos with the correct local government/records agency.
- Properly notify tenants that their building will be converted into condos.
- Allow any tenants with lease agreements to finish out their lease term.
- Determine which tenants will receive relocation assistance.
- Submit all necessary documents to the proper Planning Department2
- Obtain all other necessary permits and inspections.
If you do not follow all necessary procedures, you may face serious penalties for noncompliance, so it is always wise to have the guidance of an experienced attorney to ensure you comply with the law during this process.
Contact an experienced condo conversion attorney for assistance today
The experienced real estate attorneys at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess know how to help property owners through every step of the condo conversion process.
CONTACT ONE OF OUR OFFICES TODAY FOR A FREE 15-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION AT (253) 572-1000 OR (206) 621-1110.
- 1. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=64.34
- 2. http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codesrules/codes/condominiumconversions/default.htm
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
Matt Wand
Matt was born and raised in East Multnomah County in the Gresham area where he lives and has raised his family. His wife of more than twenty-five years is Anne Wand and they have three children together.
