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.

Attorney Robert Dickson

Attorney Robert DicksonThe 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 ]

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    Attorney Thomas L. Dickson

    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.

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    Attorney Heather Burgess

    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.

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    Attorney Robert P. Dickson

    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.

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    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.

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    Mark S. Johnson

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    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.

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    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.

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    Attorney Alexander J. Wisbey

    Alexander J. Wisbey

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    Kelley Duggan

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Katherine E. Baals

    As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.

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    Attorney Kenneth Chan

    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.

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    Brian Buske

    Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.

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    Kyla S. Bennett

    As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kyla practices in a range of areas, including real estate, land use, and civil litigation.

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    I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate this firm! These guys helped me through one of the most challenging legal situations I’ve faced in my life. Their skill and expertise literally saved my business. I’ve dealt with other counsel in the past but the Dickson firm was by far the most competent and tactful counsel I’ve ever received. I would recommend this group to anyone!

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