WUCIOA Explained: What It Means for Washington HOAs
The Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) is a major shift in how HOAs and condo associations are governed across the state. It brings consistency and accountability—but also new compliance obligations.
At AmLo Management, we help communities across King and Snohomish Counties stay compliant with WUCIOA Washington HOA law, reduce risk, and strengthen operations.
What Is WUCIOA?
Passed on July 1, 2018, WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) replaces older, inconsistent HOA and condo statutes (RCW 64.32, RCW 64.34, RCW 64.38) with a single, unified legal framework. It builds on the national UCIOA model used in states like Colorado and Connecticut to improve governance, financial transparency, and owner rights.
At AmLo Management, we help communities in King and Snohomish Counties understand and comply with WUCIOA Washington HOA law through proactive support and strategic planning.
Does WUCIOA Apply to Your Community?
WUCIOA applies in different ways depending on when your community was formed.
Automatically Applies (Mandatory):
All HOAs, condos, and co-ops created on or after July 1, 2018
Optional (By Owner Vote):
Older communities (pre-July 2018) may choose to adopt WUCIOA by a 67% owner vote
Phased Mandates (Mandatory in Stages):
By Jan 1, 2026: Budget ratification and reserve study rules apply to everyone
By Jan 1, 2028: Open meetings, board transparency, and document access rules apply
Even if your community hasn’t opted in fully, parts of WUCIOA will still become mandatory. Preparing now helps avoid legal risk and costly mistakes.
Key WUCIOA Requirements for HOAs and Condos
WUCIOA prioritizes transparency, financial responsibility, and owner involvement. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Governance Requirements
Boards must hold open meetings and allow time for owner comments
Meeting notices must be sent in advance and documented
Owners must have access to records, including financial reports and contracts
Financial Oversight
Associations must ratify budgets annually, following specific notice and meeting procedures
Reserve studies are required every three years, with updates each year
Reserve funds must be disclosed and protected from misuse
Governing Documents
All new communities must follow WUCIOA-standard declarations and bylaws
Existing communities that opt in or become subject to mandates must modernize their documents accordingly
These updates take time and coordination. That’s where we come in.
Other States are Modernizing Too
Washington isn’t alone. States across the country are adopting UCIOA-style reforms to improve HOA/condo transparency and oversight:
Colorado has comprehensive UCIOA laws and strict HOA accountability
Connecticut was an early adopter with full implementation
Nevada increased owner protections after scandals
Alaska, North Carolina, and Vermont have also modernized governance
This isn’t just a trend—it’s the new standard. If your community isn’t preparing now, you risk being left behind.
How AmLo Helps with WUCIOA Compliance
You don’t have to face WUCIOA alone. AmLo Management provides:
✅ Document Reviews & Restatements
We guide your board through updating outdated governing documents, in partnership with legal counsel.
✅ Reserve Studies & Budget Support
Our team coordinates your reserve studies and budget schedules, ensuring every step meets WUCIOA standards.
✅ Open Meeting Compliance
We create board meeting processes that follow open meeting rules and owner notice requirements.
✅ Board & Owner Education
Through workshops and materials, we help everyone — from brand-new board members to longtime owners — understand their rights and responsibilities.
✅ WUCIOA Strategy for Pre-2018 Communities
Not sure whether to op in? We assess your options and give you a clear path forward based on your community’s unique goals.
Why WUCIOA Matters More Than Ever
This isn’t just another law—it’s a complete overhaul of how common interest communities are run. States across the U.S. are following suit, with WUCIOA-style laws becoming the norm.
Boards that ignore these changes risk falling behind and facing liability. But those that prepare early gain control, predictability, and peace of mind.
Start Preparing for WUCIOA Today
WUCIOA Washington law is already impacting how communities function—and more requirements are on the way. With AmLo Management, your board gains a local partner who understands the law, translates it into action, and helps you lead with confidence.
Contact us today to learn how we can prepare your HOA or condo for full compliance.
Up Next: WUCIOA Changes You Need to Understand
This blog covered the “what and when” of WUCIOA. In our next blog, we’ll break down the specific changes your HOA or condo board must prepare for, including:
Reserve study timelines
Limits on board powers
Owner access rights
Use of electronic voting
Meeting notice best practices
Penalties for noncompliance