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The Washington Legislature passed the "Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership" Act, (WUCIOA) codified by RCW HB 64.90 that has changed the landscape for Homowners Association Associations, (HOA.) And, those who know about it are scrambling to meet the requirements and deadlines.
I'm an HOA member of a 140-unit association in Chelan, It exemplifies the democratic governance abuse our association has lived with for over 25 years, but with this new law they are changing:
- Meetings weren't Open; No 14-day Notice
- One Board member told me "we don't have agendas."
- If you happen to learn of a Board meeting your comments are restricted to agenda topics.
- No Special Meetings on significant topics. (Our Board made a $300,000 decision to buy a new dock via the Reserve Fund without owner Special meeting participation.)
- Owner contact information is "kept in a vault" by the property manager.
- The same Board members were voted in year-after-year, some for 30 years.
- No formal Maintenance Committee at the time when over $125,000 special assessments was required to rehabilitate the buildings and landscaping.
Under RCW 64.90.64 Meetings (and Voting requirements) must be implemented by January 1, 2027. I'm very happy with RCW(1) (c) (f. ) It states: "Unit owners must be given a reasonable opportunity to comment at ANY meeting regarding ANY matter affecting the common interest community interest or the association."
Though HB.90,64 has no teeth, class action lawsuits will take place in Chelan unless requirements like the above aren't implemented by January 1, 2027. Adrieana Cliffton, JD has a solo practice. She published a very helpful YouTube explaining key points of the law.
--Bob Yoder, 3/18/2026
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