My Twitter Account Is Another Source of Useful Information for Condo Boards

It is wonderful to live in a time when information can be shared in so many ways. Given the many personal and professional demands on my time, it can be difficult to find the time to write blog posts that meet my high standards in terms of content and style. However, it is usually possible for me to spend a few minutes each morning reading the day's news in general and what other condominium attorneys around the country have written on their blogs in particular. The best stories and posts are included on my Twitter account.

Some attorneys focus their Twitter accounts exclusively on their practice area. I decided to give my account a broader scope that reflects my interests in a more comprehensive way. News and posts relating to condominium and homeowners associations play a major role, but I also include anything else that I think is interesting and deserving of wider attention. Entries about the real estate market, the economy, science, and technology are plentiful. The last five entries provide a good indication of the account's "flavor":

Money Beagle: The wild-card risk of buying a condominium unit. http://bit.ly/uwCZtu

Seattle Times: Rental-property managers find themselves in a sweet spot. bit.ly/uif3kT

Yahoo: Futuristic Taiwan Tower will borrow its design from a tree. yhoo.it/vwG5cQ

AP: Rabbi to become army chaplain, beard and all. yhoo.it/u9hBgY

Seattle Times: Bellevue's Kindering is oasis for special needs kids. bit.ly/u3cZaG

If you would like access to more news regarding community associations and related topics than is provided on this blog, then following my Twitter account may be just what you are looking for. And, as an added bonus, you'll learn a lot about the continuing exploration of our solar system.

Resident Hero Fights Condominium Fire Caused by Smoking on Deck

On September 22, off-duty firefighter Dan Hess grabbed his gear to battle a blaze on the roof of his north Seattle condominium building. Described as a hero by his neighbors, Hess helped to contain a fire ignited by lit cigarette embers that fell through a deck.

The Washington Condominium Act gives associations the authority to regulate the appearance and use of limited common areas like decks unless their governing documents provide otherwise. Condominium boards can thus usually approve rules regulating or restricting smoking on decks in order to reduce fire and nuisance risks. Consulting with the owners to gauge the level of support for proposed rules affecting smoking on decks is a good initial practice. Boards should also consider asking the association’s attorney to evaluate proposed anti-smoking rules before a vote is taken.