Frequently Asked Questions

Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 7pm at Fairwood Golf & Country Club. 

For more details, please take a look at the following links:

• Schedule for our meetings
• Review the agenda for the upcoming meeting
• Review past meeting minutes

Meetings include a segment for homeowner comments (up to 5 minutes), which can be done in person or by sending a message to FGHA through this website or email contact@fairwoodgreens.org.

Phone: (206) 573-4114 

Our community maintains two private parks. 

• Allen Park is located between 145th Ave SE & SE 167th St. This park has a walking path, sport courts, swings, wide open green space, picnic tables and a play structure. Allen Park is where community-wide events such as our summer concert series & Last Splash take place. For a schedule of these events, check out our News & Events.
• Toddler Park is located between SE 167th Pl and 157th Ave SE. This park has a small play structure on a quiet street. 

For Security: 

Examples: Vacation checks and solicitors

Call:  (206) 573-4114 

For reports about an issue:

Examples: Unkempt yards or vehicles, barking dogs and general nuisances must be sent in writing to the FGHA Board in order for action to be taken. 

This can be done via the Contact section of our webpage, Email: contact@fairwoodgreens.org or through postal mail:
Fairwood Greens HOA
PO Box 58053
Renton, WA 98058

Please include your contact information: name, address, phone & email (if available). The Board can not investigate anonymous complaints or letters. 

For volunteer interest:

This can be done by sending a message through the Volunteer With Us section of our webpage.

 FGHA currently conducts monitoring of the association's 1,501 properties. The property maintenance committee (PMC) reviews compliance according to the association's Rules & Regulations (R&Rs). 

The PMC will send notices via HOALife, its software vendor for data management. Using this software allows homeowners to manage correspondence concerning their non-compliance issue online. The violation is discreet to homeowner and PMC. PMC will not enter onto homeowner property. 

Notices will be sent via US Postal Service unless homeowner OPTS IN to receive all notifications electronically (please see "General Authorization For Electronic Notification" in the Forms section of our website). 

Homeowners who are not in compliance will receive 1st, 2nd, or 3rd notice, identification of the rule in question, date of notice, and photographic evidence of non-compliance.

Should a property be found to not meet the R&R, homeowners (and tenants as applicable) will receive a 1st notice indicating corrective actions that need to be taken. If no correction is accomplished within the date specified, a 2nd notice may be given notifying homeowners to expect a 3rd notice accompanied by fine should they remain in non-compliance (consult R&R Schedule of Fines).

The goal of property maintenance review is to have a neighborhood that is aesthetically pleasant. Success is not defined by citations or fines. The property maintenance committee (PMC) applies the Rules & Regulations (R&Rs) adopted by our homeowners’ association. 

A summary of findings from the PMC are published within the meeting minutes each month. Properties are not identified by address to protect privacy. Information concerning a property's compliance or fine status is never shared with other homeowners.

According to the FGHA ACC Guidelines, approval is required for all exterior work to a home in our community. An Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Form must be submitted and approved prior to the start of any work. On the Forms section of this website, each of the files may be clicked on to download, fill in digitally, save and print. 

The completed form may be:

• Submitted as an attachment through this website
• Emailed as an attachment to contact@fairwoodgreens.org 
• Mailed to:
  Fairwood Greens Homeowners' Association (FGHA)
  PO Box 58053
  Renton, WA 98058 
• Faxed to: (425) 271-5804. 

Turn around time for approval is generally 7-10 days. If you have a "rush" item, please indicate on the form so the ACC chair can call you with approval/questions. 

The specifics for fencing can be found on page 3 & 4 in our ACC Guidelines. You should also review the Architectural Control Rules & Regulations. General & special covenants regarding fencing can also be found in Article IX & X in our CC&Rs. All fencing projects require an ACC form to be submitted and approved prior to beginning the project. 

The specifics for approved roofing materials can be found on page 2 & 3 in our ACC Guidelines. All roofing projects require an ACC form to be submitted and approved prior to beginning the project even if you are submitting one of the approved materials. 

No. Tree removal from your Fairwood Greens property does not require FGHA approval. You may need to check with King County for any required permits. 

This question has come up a lot, especially when news of mail theft is shared. The desire for a locking mailbox is up to individual homeowners to pursue. More information can be found in our Report On Locking Mailboxes.

In September 2021, the report Fairwood Greens & Adult Family Homes was released in response to homeowners' inquiries. 

Several homeowners have expressed concern at FGHA meetings and raised important questions about strategies to reduce speeding in our neighborhood. You can read more in the report about what is known.

Fairwood Greens Homeowners' Association practices accrual accounting (as opposed to cash accounting). This means that revenue is recorded as it is earned and expenses as they are incurred. 

Per RCW 64.90.530 (1) The association must prepare, or cause to be prepared, at least annually, a financial statement of the association in accordance with accrual-based accounting practices, a common requirement for HOAs.

Accrual accounting is a much more accurate method of accounting as it enables a view of profit and loss a business has experienced in an entire period.

The Association operates as a business and charges assessments to homeowners, creating a projected income that allows the Association to budget for projected expenses. 

On the monthly Treasurer Report (found within minutes of the Association Board Meeting), the projected annual assessment income is entered into the accounting software and is split between a 12-month period (the current budget year). The Assessment Income and Budget Income are the same in the Treasurer Report. This reflects the income that was accrued for that month (accrual accounting).

Concrete, asphalt or “Bridgit” rubber ramps are not allowed or permitted by King County Road Department.  If the road crews encounter an installation and it interferes with their work, they may or may not remove it.  As such, the FGHA cannot approve ACC forms that might be submitted.  The FGHA has no rules or guidelines concerning curb ramps.  Installation is at homeowner’s risk.

Send an email to contact@fairwoodgreens.org that is directed to our office manager. 

Information provided is used with strictest of confidence and privacy protection by Fairwood Greens Homeowners' Association (FGHA). We will make contact via email only with information of importance. Our security vendor will use telephone numbers on file to alert any emergency situation at the property (including open garage doors).  

Fairwood Greens Area (unincorporated King County) Senior and Low-Income Housing Assistance Resources and Programs (April 2023)

Overview – 

These resources and programs will require application and eligibility determinations. Proof of income, insurance, assets, etc. may be required. Some programs are 0%, no payment programs and others are free assistance. This represents some of the many resources available to seniors and veterans in King County.

1. King County Housing Repair Program

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/community-human-services/housing/services/housing-repair.aspx

206-263-9095 (M-F, 8am – 3pm)

We provide funding for housing repair services to low-income homeowners and special needs renters in most parts of King County.

Services -

Our funding provides for repairs such as replacing your roof, installing a new septic system, repairs addressing emergency conditions, health and safety repairs or major building preservation issues within the single-family owner-occupied home. For renters with a disability, we provide funding to make your unit more accessible.

2. King County Housing Authority - Weatherization Department

https://www.kcha.org/wx

206-214-1240 (ask for weatherization)

KCHA's Weatherization program helps low-income homeowners and renters reduce their energy costs and improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Common repairs include:

• Ventilation improvements
• Insulation installs
• Furnace repairs
• Air sealing to prevent drafts

This program generally does not provide new windows.

Our program serves households within King County, outside the City Limits of Seattle.

Funding limits the number of households KCHA can help. We give preference to:

• People in heating emergency situations (little or no heat)
• Seniors
• Disabled persons
• Families with children under 19
• Native Americans 

3. Rebuilding Together Seattle (greater Seattle & Uninc KC)

https://www.rtseattle.org/

206-682-1231

Who We Serve

Rebuilding Together Seattle serves low-income homeowners who are elderly, living with a disability, families with children, or veterans in need. We also serve nonprofit organizations in need of facility repairs.

Our Mission

Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.

Safe at Home

Safe at Home is Rebuilding Together Seattle's year-round maintenance program. It provides homeowners with critical home repairs, such as grab bars, flooring, kitchen appliances, security repairs, electric repairs, plumbing repairs, and more. Safe at Home projects are completed by individual volunteers or small teams of skilled volunteers over one or a few workdays. 

Applicant Criteria

• You must be a homeowner and use your home as your primary residence.
• You must live in our coverage area that spans Everett to SeaTac, along the I-5 corridor. We also serve parts of Renton.
• You must be low-income, as determined by the number of people residing in your home in accordance with the HUD guideline for the Seattle Metro Area (please review our income guidelines below)
• You must be unable to complete the work on your own.
• You must plan on living in your home for at least the next 3 years.

Income Guidelines

• If you are a senior (65+), person with a disability, and or a family with children under 18, your household must have a      combined annual income less than:
• 1 person - $45,300
• 2 people - $51,800
• 3 people - $58,250
• 4 people - $64,700
• 5 people - $69,900
• 6 people - $75,100
• If you are a current or former US military member or their living spouse, your household must have a combined annual income less than:
• 1 person - $66,750
• 2 people - $76,250
• 3 people - $85,800
• 4 people - $95,300
• 5 people - $102,950
• 6 people - $110,550

Common Repairs

• Wheelchair ramps and other accessibility improvements
• Installation of grab bars to improve safety.
• Plumbing and electrical work
• Flooring repair or replacement
• Painting, interior and exterior
• Window repair or replacement
• Clutter removal
• Yard clean-up

Excluded Repairs

• Cosmetic repairs or non-mission-focused improvements
• Major roof work, including replacements.
• Major plumbing or sewer line repair
• Major electrical work, including rewiring.
• Foundation repairs
• Emergency repairs*

4.  Habitat for Humanity

https://buyhabitat.org/home-repairs/critical-home-repair/

206-866-7615

Critical Home Repair

Habitat’s Home Repair Program works with homeowners who need assistance with critical repairs that will alleviate health and safety issues and increase their quality of life in the home. The purpose of this program is to keep low- and moderate- income homeowners safely in their primary residence, it is not a program meant for “flipping”, repairing for resale, or secondary homes. Please complete and submit an intake form if you are interested in applying. 

Eligible projects may include:

· Roofs

· Gutters

· Siding repair

· Steps, Ramps, Porches, Decks and Retaining Walls

· Walkways and Driveways

· Landscaping

· Brush and Junk Removal

· Exterior Painting

· Siding and Door repair

· Interior Work (on a case-by-case basis)

· Other repairs needed

Qualifications and Requirements

· Applicants must own and occupy the home for a minimum of one year before applying.

· Applicants must provide proof of income for all household members.

· Household income must not exceed 80% AMI. (see chart below)

Income Qualification Chart  

Family Size

King County Maximum Gross Income (80% AMI, KC area   median income) 

1 - $63,350 

2 - $72,400 

3 - $81,450 

4 - $90,500 

5 - $97,750 

6 - $105,000

Minor Home Repair

The Minor Home Repair Program maintains owner occupied homes. These types of projects are typically volunteer friendly and focus on preserving the home and safety of the homeowner, while improving the community as a whole.  Minor Home Repairs are offered in communities and areas that Habitat for Humanity designates for community impact and neighborhood revitalization.

Eligible projects may include:

· Gutter Cleaning

· Minor repairs

· Moss, brush and debris removal

· Fence replacement/repair

· Walkway repair

· Handrail installation

· Gutter siding cleaning

Minor Home Repair Program Qualifications and Requirements

· Applicants must own and occupy the home for a minimum of one year.

· Must show proof of income for all household members. Income must not exceed 80% of the AMI.

· Proof of current homeowner’s insurance.

· Homeowner must contribute 2 hours of sweat equity.  This means helping with the project if able, or other approved community volunteer activities. Accommodations will be made for those with physical impairments or limited ability.

· A Home Maintenance training will be provided by Habitat and required for homeowners.  

· Homeowners will pay a $50 one-time fee at the time agreement contract is signed.

Aging In Place

This program serves seniors 62 and over and/or homeowners of any age with disabling conditions such as mobility issues or sensory impairments. The program includes a home assessment, with recommendations of minor repairs to make the home safer to get around in. The assessment tool evaluates how the home supports the lifestyle of the owner (and occupants) and identifies improvements to make the home safer and more comfortable. These improvement projects may be combined with Critical Home Repairs (larger scale) and/or Minor Home Repair.

Examples of eligible projects:

· Entry hardware improvements (locks, bolts, door handles, doorbell)

· Entry access improvements (non-slip flooring, low threshold, lighting)

· Handrails and grab bars (exterior and interior)

· Task lighting – kitchen, bathroom, favorite chair

· Accessibility – bedroom to bathroom, and elsewhere

· Point of use storage, de-cluttering and space organization

Aging in Place Program Qualifications and Requirements

1. Applicants must be age 62 or over or qualify as physically or mentally disabled.

2. Applicants must own the home and provide proof of income for all household members. Income must not exceed 80% of the AMI.

3. Proof of current homeowner’s insurance.

4. Homeowners are required to give back 2-8 hours of sweat equity hours to support the mission. This will be determined by the scope of the repair work. Accommodations will be made for those with physical impairments or limited ability by allowing friends and family to contribute volunteer hours on their behalf.

5. Homeowners will pay a $50 one-time fee after approval and upon signing the agreement contract.

5. PSE -  Home Weatherization Assistance

https://www.pse.com/en/account-and-billing/assistance-programs/home-weatherization-assistance

Free home upgrades that increase comfort and lower energy bills

Having a home that’s uncomfortable — too cold or too hot — and having high energy bills are usually the results of a home that’s not properly protected from the weather. For example, when your home has unsealed air leaks that allow heated air to escape, your heater has to work longer and harder to keep your home, and the people in it, comfortable. The solution to this problem is called weatherization. It’s the process of protecting your entire home so that the air you heat stays where you want it: inside your home. 

The Home Weatherization Assistance program is a partnership between PSE, federal and state funding sources. It’s a way for us to connect our income-qualified customers to the local agencies that can assess your home and provide free, whole-home upgrades to help lower your monthly energy bill. The first step you need to take is to contact your local agency to see if you qualify.

As a PSE customer, you may qualify for support through the PSE HELP, and Salvation Army Warm Home Fund programs. We leverage funds from federal, state and PSE resources to offer you more services. If your household monthly income is less than the limits for your county, as listed below, you may qualify.

The next step is to contact your local agency. They will determine if you are eligible for these programs and then guide you through the process.

· PSE HELP

· Salvation Army Warm Home Fund

If you do not qualify for these programs, please check out our Efficiency Boost program, which offers increased rebates for income-qualified customers.

Paying bills can be stressful, but we’re here to help. PSE’s Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP) provides assistance for residential customers to help pay electric or natural gas bills. If you qualify, we’ll credit your account for up to $1,000. Begin your application to receive the help you need. Then contact your local Community Agency to complete the HELP application.

6. King County Aging 

https://www.agingkingcounty.org/what-we-do/programs-services/

206-684-0660

Aging and Disability Services provides a key link between federal and state funding for services for older residents and family caregivers in the Seattle-King County area and the community-based organizations that deliver the services. We administer federal Older Americans Act funding, partnering with community-based organizations to provide adult day services, caregiver support, case management, elder abuse prevention, health maintenance, health promotion, information and assistance, legal support, nutrition, senior center, and transportation services. The majority of these services are accessed by contacting Community Living Connections.

Most services are provided by a network of community-based organizations located throughout King County who subcontract with ADS to serve over 48,000 seniors, adults with disabilities and family caregivers. For a list of ADS subcontractors, click here

Veterans

Aging and Disability Services offers no-cost, in-home, PEARLS counseling to men and women who served in the military, including their spouse and spouse survivor, aged 55+ who may be feeling down, sad, or blue.

PEARLS stands for Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives. It helps people feel better by identifying problems and working toward solutions. PEARLS counseling may be provided in addition to other veteran and non-veteran services.

For more information, including brochures, flyers, and video stories, contact Suzet Tave (206-615-0533).

To join the @PEARLSvets Facebook page, click here.

7. King County Metro Access

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/travel-options/accessible.aspx

206-205-5000

Access Transportation

Access takes you anywhere a Metro bus, Seattle streetcar or Sound Transit light rail goes at that time and on that day of the week. Access customers go grocery shopping, to work and school, to get their hair cut, to check in with their doctor, meet up with friends, or to enjoy a local park. You must be found eligible for the ADA Paratransit Program before you can request rides on Access.

ADA Paratransit 

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a civil rights law that, among other things, requires equal access to public transportation for persons with disabilities. Transit agencies such as Metro must take specific steps to ensure regular bus service is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Regular accessible bus service is intended to be the primary mode of public transportation for persons with disabilities.

Metro offers free transit instruction to individuals and groups that meet certain criteria. This training teaches persons with disabilities and seniors how to ride regular public transportation, including use of the lift or ramp.

8. Northwest Justice Project – free legal and financial guidance and assistance

https://nwjustice.org/home

206-464-1519

Legal and financial guidance and advocacy.

Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more. Our work challenges structural and racial inequities to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington State.

Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is Washington’s largest publicly funded legal aid program. Each year NJP provides critical civil legal assistance and representation to thousands of low-income people in cases affecting basic human needs such as family safety and security, housing preservation, protection of income, access to health care, education and other basic needs.  

NJP works to secure justice through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities. As a dynamic statewide law firm, we pursue our mission through legal advice and representation, community partnerships, and education to empower clients and combat injustice in all its forms.   

NJP operates a toll-free intake and referral hotline called CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education Advice and Referral). CLEAR serves as the statewide, centralized point of access for clients seeking free legal help, including advice, education, limited legal services, self-help materials and, where available, referrals to other legal aid and local volunteer lawyer programs. CLEAR also refers cases to NJP offices around the state, where attorneys provide assistance and direct representation in high priority, complex cases, including cases that address barriers to accessing our justice system as well as engage in community education efforts.  

NJP maintains Washington Law Help, a public website containing an extensive library of legal resources and self-help materials including do -it -yourself court forms in areas of law needed most by low income persons, the great majority of whom are forced to appear in court unrepresented.  In addition, NJP is an integral member of and provides support for the Alliance for Equal Justice, Washington’s coordinated statewide civil legal aid delivery system, which brings together a network of volunteer attorney programs, specialty legal aid providers, and supporters working to ensure equal justice for all low-income communities in Washington.

9. Free Income Tax Preparation and Assistance 

Get free help with 2023 your tax returns

The due date to file your taxes and make your tax payments is April 18, 2023. Do you need help filing?

Until April 20th, United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is offering free tax preparation assistance. IRS-certified volunteers will be available virtually and in person at multiple locations across King County. An appointment is not necessary for in-person services.

If you can't make it to one of the below locations, you can also access free tax preparation assistance virtually at United Way's Get Your Refund website.

Locations serving District 9 include:

HealthPoint at Sunset Neighborhood Center
2902 NE 12th St
Renton, WA 98056

Jubilee REACH
14200 SE 13th Pl
Bellevue, WA 98007

Hopelink Bellevue
14812 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98007

Kent Public Health Center
(at Kent Hill Plaza Shopping Center)
25742 104th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98030

10. Miscellaneous Resources in King County – WA State Dept of Social and Health Services

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ALTSA/resources?field_counties_value=King

A free information and referral service for adults 60 and over and for family and friends helping care for the older adult

Aging and Disability Services (ADS) 

700 5th Ave. Suite 5100 & PO BOX 34215 

Seattle 98104 

Website: https://www.agingkingcounty.org 

Phone: 206-684-0660 

Contact Adult Protective Services if you suspect a vulnerable adult living in his/her own home is being harmed or exploited.

Email address: apscentralintake@dshs.wa.gov 

Website: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults 

Phone: 1-877-734-6277 

TTY: 1-833-866-5595 

Fax: 1-833-866-5590 

The Family Caregiver Support Program provides help and resources for those who provide unpaid care to a senior adult or and adult with a disability.

King County Caregiver Support Network 

P.O. Box 34215 

Seattle 98124 

Website: https://www.communitylivingconnections.org/wecanhelp/caregivers/ 

Phone: 1-844-348-5464 (KING) 

Alt. Phone: 206-962-8467 

Your local HCS staff are experts in the long-term services and supports available for adults in your community

King County HCS 

1737 Airport Way S Suite 130 & P. O. Box 24847 

Seattle 98134 

Phone: 206-341-7600 

Alt. Phone: 1-800-346-9257 

TTY: 1-800-833-6384 

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a trusted resource in mediating complaints or concerns you may have about anyone living in an adult care facility (e.g. adult family home, Assisted Living Facility, nursing home).

Multi-Service Center 

PO Box 23699 

Seattle 98093 

Email address: kcltcop@multi-servicecenter.com 

Phone: 206-623-0816 

Pamela Williams 

PO Box 23699 

Federal Way, WA 98093 

Email address: pamela.williams@mschelps.org 

Website: https://www.waombudsman.org/ 

Phone: 206-623-0816 

Alt. Phone: 1-800-562-6028 

Fax: 253-815-8173 

RCS has responsibility for licensing, certification and oversight of long-term care facilities/homes in Washington state.

20425 72nd Ave S, Suite 400 

Kent, WA 98032 

Phone: (253) 234-6000 

Fax: (253) 395-5071 

Contact your local Senior I & A any time you have a question or concern about getting help for an adult 60 or older or for anyone providing unpaid care for that adult.

Community Living Connections 

P.O. Box 34215 

Seattle 98124 

Website: https://www.communitylivingconnections.org/ 

Phone: : 1-844-348-5464 (KING) 

Alt. Phone: 206-962-8467