Washington overhauled its common-interest law with WUCIOA, and many boards aren't sure which statute applies to them. If you self-manage an association in Washington, the answer depends mostly on when your community was created.
This guide explains the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA, RCW 64.90), the older Homeowners' Associations chapter (RCW 64.38), and links to city compliance guides on KindHOA.
Which Washington statute applies
- WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) governs most common-interest communities created on or after July 1, 2018, and some older associations that amend to opt in. It is comprehensive: budgets, reserves, meetings, resale disclosures, and enforcement.
- RCW 64.38 still governs many pre-2018 HOAs that have not opted into WUCIOA, covering meetings, records, and basic governance.
- Condominiums may also fall under RCW 64.34 depending on creation date.
Confirm which chapter applies to your community, then use the Washington compliance hub for a checklist and city directory.
The three layers Washington owners confuse
- State law — WUCIOA or RCW 64.38 sets governance and disclosure baselines.
- City and county code — Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma handle zoning, short-term-rental licensing, noise, and building permits.
- HOA covenants — your board enforces recorded restrictions on owners.
What WUCIOA boards must get right
- Budget ratification: the board adopts a proposed budget, then it is ratified by owners unless rejected by the required margin at a meeting.
- Reserve studies: WUCIOA associations generally must prepare and update a reserve study and disclose funding.
- Resale certificates: sellers need an association-provided resale certificate with specified disclosures.
- Meetings and records: notice requirements and owner record-access rights apply.
Confirm lien and foreclosure steps with Washington counsel. For collections basics, read How HOA Late Fees Work.
Washington city guides on KindHOA
| City | Guide |
|---|---|
| Seattle | Seattle HOA regulations |
| Spokane | Spokane HOA rules |
| Tacoma | Tacoma HOA guide |
| Everett | Everett HOA guide |
| Full directory | Washington compliance hub |
For organizing CC&Rs, see the HOA rules directory guide.
FAQ
What law governs Washington HOAs?
Communities created on or after July 1, 2018 generally follow WUCIOA (RCW 64.90); many older HOAs follow RCW 64.38 unless they opted into WUCIOA.
Does Washington require a reserve study?
WUCIOA associations generally must prepare and periodically update a reserve study and disclose funding. Confirm specifics with counsel.
What is budget ratification?
Under WUCIOA the board adopts a budget that takes effect unless owners reject it by the required margin at a ratification meeting.
How do Washington HOAs collect dues online?
Boards can invoice digitally and automate reminders — see How to Automate HOA Dues Collection Online.
Start your Washington HOA workspace free — dues, documents, and compliance in one place.
Educational only, not legal advice. Confirm which statute applies and all lien steps with Washington counsel.