Updates to the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act

Codified in Chapter 64.90 RCW, the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) establishes comprehensive rules for common interest communities—including condominiums, planned communities, and cooperatives—formed on or after its effective date of July 1, 2018.

While full compliance for previously established community associations was originally required by January 1, 2028, the passage of Senate Bill 5129 this year accelerates the timeline significantly, with certain provisions taking effect as early as 2026.

Key Changes

Although not an exhaustive list, the following identifies some important changes:

• Board and Committee Meetings: All board and committee meetings must be open to unit owners, with the exception of executive sessions. Executive sessions are strictly limited to specific topics such as consulting with the association’s attorney, discussing personnel matters, or reviewing contracts still under negotiation. No final vote or action may be taken during an executive session.
• Comment Period: A minimum 15-minute period is now required at the start of every board meeting to allow owners to comment on agenda items before the board votes. The board may impose reasonable time restrictions of no less than 90 seconds per owner per unit. However, if more than 10 unit owners wish to comment, the time may be reduced and allocated equally among all participants.
• Access to Materials: Owners are entitled to access and review materials distributed to board members before meetings, except for unapproved minutes or materials designated for executive session.
• Remote Meeting Participation: Remote meetings (held by telephonic, video or other conferencing process) are permitted even if governing documents do not authorize them, provided four specific conditions are met: (1) the meeting notice must clearly specify the conferencing process and instructions; (2) the process must allow all participants to hear the discussion and the opportunity to comment; (3) board votes must be conducted by roll call or verbal vote; and (4) every person entitled to participate must be given the option to join by phone.
• Notice Requirements: The standard notice period for board meetings is at least 14 days. However, if a meeting is needed to address an unforeseen event and it is impractical to provide the full 14-day notice, 7 days’ notice is required. In such cases, notice must be delivered by electronic communication to unit owners whose email address or phone number is on record with the association.
• Assessment Payment Options: Associations must provide at least one method of accepting payment of assessments from owners at no charge or as a common expense.
• Board Action: Prior to the transition meeting, the board may act without a meeting if all members provide unanimous consent, documented in a record. After the transition meeting, the board may act by unanimous consent only for ministerial matters, actions subject to ratification by the owners, or to implement actions previously taken at a board meeting.

Next Steps 

Proactive preparation for WUCIOA compliance is critical. With certain provisions taking effect in January 2026 and full statutory compliance required by January 2028, any delay may expose community associations to substantial legal and financial risk. Governing documents that conflict with WUCIOA will become unenforceable and may be subject to challenge or invalidation, leading to operational disruption and uncertainty.

All community associations are advised to consult qualified legal counsel and begin reviewing and amending their governing documents well before the statutory deadlines. Early preparation will help ensure a smooth transition and continued legal compliance. Community associations that identify conflicts or noncompliance after the effective date must take immediate corrective action to minimize ongoing risk and align their operations with the new statutory framework.