UPDATED 3/28/26 Part 1: New HOA Governance Law

Washington State Capital

The Washington Legislature passed the "Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership" Act, (WUCIOA) codified by RCW HB 64.90 that has changed the landscape for Homeowners Association Associations, (HOA.)  And, those who know about it are scrambling to meet the requirements and deadlines.  

I'm an HOA member of a large association in western Washington.  It exemplifies undemocratic, governance neglect our owners have endured for over 25 years, However, with this new law the Board, in good faith, is slowly changing their ways.

As it is now: 

• Meetings haven't been Open.
• A Board member once told me "we don't have agendas."
• If you happen to learn of a Board meeting your comments are restricted to agenda items.
• No Special Meetings on significant issues.  (Our Board made a $250,000 decision to buy a new dock system via the Reserve Fund without owner Special meeting participation or vote.)
• Owner contact information is "kept in a vault" by the property manager. 
• Board members are voted in year-after-year, one for over 35 years.
• No formal Maintenance Committee at the time when over $900,000 special assessments were required to renovate the buildings and landscaping. No Special meetings or vote. 
• An early property manager was a felon skimming funds.   

Under RCW 64.90.445 Meetings (and Voting requirements) must be implemented by January 1, 2027. 

I'm very happy with RCW 60.90 (1) (c) (d.)  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."  

Finally, condominium associations must provide resale certificates to unit buyers. Under the Act, buyers have up to 5 days to cancel the sale upon receipt. Regarding voting, owners must be given up to 15 minutes to comment prior to a vote.  Voting by phone is acceptable.

Though HB.90,64 has no teeth, lawsuits may take place unless requirements like the above aren't implemented by January 1, 2027-2028. Adrieana Cliffton, JD has a solo practice. She published a very helpful YouTube explaining key points of the law. 

--Bob Yoder, 3/18/2026, updated 3/26/26, 3/2826 final