May 1, 2010 - Increased B&O: Despite all-out opposition from Realtors® this session, the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax for many small business services, including real estate brokers, was increased from 1.5 to 1.8 percent for the period May 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. For more information, go to Department of Revenue website at www.dor.wa.gov.
June 10, 2010 - Commercial Seller Disclosure Requirement: A seller of commercial real estate must provide a buyer with a disclosure statement about the land unless the buyer waives the right to receive it. The disclosure for commercial real estate concerns title, water, sewer/on- site sewage, structure, systems and fixtures, and environmental. If answers to the environmental section are "Yes", the seller must provide this information to the buyers. It cannot be waived by the buyer. The final bill that was passed (SB 6749)) can be viewed at www.leg.wa.gov. Under bill documents look for "Session Law".
June 10, 2010 - Hands-free Cell Phone: A new cell phone law makes it a primary offense to be texting or talking on cell phone while driving without a hands-free device. More about the law at: http:/ /www.drivinglaws.org/washington.php
June 10, 2010 - Collections against Rentals: After June 10, a landlord's liability for unpaid tenant utility (water and electric only) bills is limited to four months of the tenant's delinquent bills, if the landlord had notice of the tenant's delinquency. You can find the law (SB 6261) at: http://apps.leg.wa.gov Under bill documents, look for "Session Law".
July 1, 2010 - Real Estate License Law: On July 1, 2010, the revised Real Estate License Law (RCW 18.85) goes into effect. All current licensees are required to take a three clock-hour Transition Course prior to their first renewal after July 1, 2010. The course is offered by the Washington Realtors® Education Department. For more on the Transition Course, go to. www.warealtor.org.
More about the changes can be found at Washington Realtors® Legal Hotline or at: http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/realestate/n ewlawfaq.html
July 1, 2010 - WA State Energy Code Rules: There are recently adopted changes to the Washington Energy Code, such as additional energy efficiency requirements, increased building envelope stringency, duct placement and air leakage testing and more. These changes take effect July 1st. To find out specifics on the changes, go to the State Building Code Council website at: http://www.sbcc.wa.gov/
January 1, 2011 - Carbon Monoxide Alarms: A new rule, intended to increase safety for homeowners, requires carbon monoxide monitors to be installed in most newly constructed residences by January of 2011. Existing, non-owner occupied homes are not required to have the monitors until July 1, 2011. For more information on the rule, go to www.warealtor.org , Legal Hotline.
July 1, 2011 - Regulation of Appraisal Management Companies: A new law passed with support of the Washington Realtors® that will help ensure appraisals are fair, reflect local values and that appraisal costs are completely transparent. The new law will not take effect until July, 2011. Between now and then, the Appraisal Coalition of Washington, Department of Licensing, Washington Realtors®, and other stakeholders will be involved in the rulemaking that will implement this key piece of legislation.
The final bill that was passed (HB 3040) can be viewed at www.leg.wa.gov. Under bill documents look for "Session Law".
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