Washington HOA Laws — WUCIOA Guide for Boards

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 common-interest communities created on or after July 1, 2018, plus older communities that amend their declaration to opt in, until January 1, 2028, when it applies to all common interest communities with limited exceptions (RCW 64.90.360). It is comprehensive: budgets, reserves, meetings, resale disclosures, and enforcement.
• Communities created before July 1, 2018 are covered by a limited set of WUCIOA sections listed in RCW 64.90.365 (formerly RCW 64.90.080, recodified by 2024 c 321), applying to events and circumstances on or after July 1, 2018. Where the older chapters (including RCW 64.38 and 64.34) conflict with those sections, the older provisions do not apply. A community can also elect into more of WUCIOA.
• RCW 64.38 (the older Homeowners' Associations chapter) and chapters 58.19, 64.32 and 64.34 RCW are repealed by 2024 c 321, effective January 1, 2028, so boards of older associations should plan for WUCIOA to become the main framework.

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

1. State law — WUCIOA or RCW 64.38 sets governance and disclosure baselines.
2. City and county code — Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma handle zoning, short-term-rental licensing, noise, and building permits.
3. HOA covenants — your board enforces recorded restrictions on owners.

What WUCIOA boards must get right

• Budget ratification (RCW 64.90.525): within 30 days after adopting a proposed budget, the board gives every owner a copy and schedules a ratification meeting 14 to 50 days later. The budget is ratified unless owners holding a majority of all votes in the association (or a larger percentage in the declaration) reject it, whether or not a quorum is present. If it is rejected, the last ratified budget stays in effect.
• Reserve studies (RCW 64.90.545): unless exempt, an association must prepare and update a reserve study: an updated study annually, and an update by a reserve study professional, based on a site inspection, at least every third year. Unless the governing documents require otherwise, the requirement does not apply to communities with units restricted to nonresidential use, communities with only nominal reserve costs, certain middle-housing-only communities, or when the cost of the reserve study or update exceeds 10 percent of the association's annual budget.
• 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

For organizing CC&Rs, see the HOA rules directory guide.

FAQ

What law governs Washington HOAs?

Communities created on or after July 1, 2018 follow WUCIOA (RCW 64.90), and from January 1, 2028 it applies to all common interest communities, with limited exceptions. Until then, older communities follow a limited set of WUCIOA sections (RCW 64.90.365) alongside any remaining older provisions, and RCW 64.38 is repealed effective January 1, 2028 (2024 c 321).

Does Washington require a reserve study?

Unless exempt, WUCIOA associations must prepare and update a reserve study (RCW 64.90.545): updated annually, with a professional update at least every third year. Confirm exemptions with counsel.

What is budget ratification?

Under RCW 64.90.525 the board adopts a budget and schedules a ratification meeting; the budget is ratified unless owners holding a majority of all votes (or a larger percentage in the declaration) reject it.

How do Washington HOAs collect dues online?

Boards can invoice digitally and automate reminders — see How to Collect HOA Dues 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.