01Chapter 64.90 RCW
Declaration and map create the units
A condominium is created by recording a declaration and a survey map and plans. The documents set the unit boundaries, common elements, budget, and rules.
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120 daysNotice before tenants in a conversion building can be required to leave
60 daysTenants’ window to buy their own unit after the conversion notice
7 daysFor a first buyer to cancel after receiving the public offering statement
No subdivisionUnits can be owned and sold separately on one lot
01 / Our Focus
One property, several owners, done by the statute
Washington lets an owner divide a property into condominium units by recording a declaration and a survey map under chapter 64.90 RCW. Each unit then has its own legal description and can be sold, mortgaged, and taxed on its own, while the land and shared parts are owned in common. On many lots this is faster than a short plat and works where a land division would not.
Converting a building that already has tenants adds a second set of rules. Residential tenants must get at least 120 days’ notice and the first chance to buy their own unit, and some cities require relocation help. We plan the conversion around those dates, draft the documents buyers and lenders will read, and keep the tenant side compliant from the first notice.
“Lenders and buyers read the declaration. It has to be written for them.”
Clear unit boundaries, sensible budgets, and fair maintenance rules are what make converted units easy to finance and sell.
02 / The law
The Washington rules that shape a buyer’s review
Condominiums created in Washington since July 2018 are governed by chapter 64.90 RCW, the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act.
02RCW 64.90.635
7 days to cancel
A purchaser can cancel the purchase within 7 days after first receiving the public offering statement, by written notice to the declarant.
03RCW 64.90.655
120-day tenant notice
In a conversion building, residential tenants must receive notice and the offering statement at least 120 days before they can be required to vacate, and their tenancy terms cannot change during that period.
04RCW 64.90.655
Tenant’s right to buy
For 60 days after notice, each tenant must be offered their own unit. Cities and counties may also require relocation assistance for qualifying tenants who do not buy.
03 / The process
How a condominium conversion works
A vacant building or single-lot project can move straight to documents. A building with tenants runs on the 120-day notice and 60-day purchase offer.
- 01Week 1
Feasibility and title
We confirm the property can be converted under local code and existing title, financing, and leases.
- 02Weeks 2 to 6
Map, declaration, and budget
We work with your surveyor on the map and plans, and draft the declaration, bylaws, and first-year budget.
- 03Before sales
Offering statement and tenant notices
The public offering statement is prepared, and in a conversion building the 120-day tenant notices and purchase offers go out.
- 04At recording
Record and sell
The declaration and map are recorded, the association is formed, and each unit can be sold or financed on its own.
04 / Fees
What it costs
Flat feeTwo- to four-unit condominiums on a single lot: declaration, bylaws, and offering statement. Surveyor fees are separate.
PackageConversion buildings with tenants: documents plus the tenant notice and purchase offer process.
HourlyLarger projects, lender and buyer negotiations, and amendments, with a written budget.
05 / Coverage
Where we practice
TacomaMiddle-housing and ADU projects
Pierce CountyPuyallup, Lakewood, University Place, Gig Harbor
Eastside King CountyBellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish
Snohomish CountyDuplex, triplex, and small building conversions
Kitsap CountyDuplex, triplex, and small building conversions
The disclosure, lien, deposit, and deed statutes apply statewide. Local zoning and critical area codes differ, and we check the code for the city or county where the property sits.
Often, through a condominium.
Recording a declaration and map can make the house and the ADU separate units with their own legal descriptions, so each can be sold and financed. Local code has to allow the use first.
Before you list a single unit
Turn one property into units you can sell.
Send the address and a short description of the buildings and any tenants. We will tell you whether a condominium works, what the timeline looks like, and what the documents will need.
Bring to your consultation
01The property address or tax number
02A site plan or photos of the buildings
03Current leases, if the units are rented