WUCIOA Deadlines for Washington
HOAs & COAs: 2026 & 2028

Understanding What Changes—and When

In our previous blog post, we explained what WUCIOA is and when it applies.

WUCIOA deadlines for Washington HOAs are no longer distant milestones—they’re fast-approaching requirements. Even if your community hasn’t officially opted in, state law will soon mandate key parts of WUCIOA for nearly all HOAs, condos, and co-ops.

This guide explains the major changes coming in 2026 and 2028 and how AmLo Management can help you prepare before those deadlines hit.

Where WUCIOA Compliance Stands Today

As of 2024, WUCIOA (Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act) fully applies to any common interest community (CIC) formed on or after July 1, 2018. This includes all newly created HOAs, condos, and co-ops in Washington State.

For older communities, formal adoption requires a 67% vote of homeowners. However, many of these associations are already influenced by WUCIOA principles through case law, legal best practices, or pressure from lenders and insurers.

What’s Generally Required Today:

  • Full compliance for post-2018 communities

  • Budget ratification only if your governing documents require it

  • Reserve studies strongly recommended, but not mandatory for older HOAs

  • Open board meetings encouraged, but not always required

What’s Changing in 2026

Thanks to Washington Senate Bill 5129, multiple WUCIOA sections will become mandatory for all associations—regardless of when they were formed or whether they opted in.

By January 1, 2026, All Communities Must:

  • Hold formal budget ratification meetings, even if not currently required

  • Notify all owners of upcoming budget meetings

  • Allow homeowners to participate and ask questions

  • Conduct reserve studies per RCW 64.90.545

    • Full reserve study every three years

    • Annual updates in the off years

  • Use a standardized format for presenting budgets

Why It Matters:

Failing to meet these requirements could result in:

  • Personal liability for board members

  • Legal action from homeowners

  • Higher insurance costs

  • Delays in refinancing or real estate transactions

What’s Coming in 2028

The 2028 WUCIOA deadline brings even more sweeping changes, applying most of the law to all common interest communities—even if they never opt in.

By January 1, 2028, Communities Must:

  • Provide transparent owner access to association records

  • Adopt clear, formal procedures for rulemaking and enforcement

  • Limit board powers (e.g., cap spending without owner approval)

  • Deliver detailed notices for meetings and proposed rule changes

  • Enforce rules consistently with documented procedures

  • Offer electronic options for voting and notice delivery

  • Include dispute resolution processes in their policies

In effect, your HOA will be operating under WUCIOA whether it’s opted in or not.

Condo buildings near Space Needle under WUCIOA Washington HOA law

Why HOAs Should Act Before the WUCIOA Deadlines

Waiting until 2026 or 2028 creates unnecessary risk and cost. Preparing early helps ensure a smooth, legally sound transition.

Ask your board:

  • Are our meetings compliant with new requirements?

  • Do we have up-to-date reserve studies and budget procedures?

  • Can we fulfill owner document requests quickly and correctly?

  • Do our governing documents reflect modern best practices?

  • Are we tracking key WUCIOA deadlines for Washington HOAs?

If you answered “not yet,” you’re not alone. Many boards are still catching up—but with the right support, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

How AmLo Management Helps with WUCIOA Compliance

At AmLo Management, we specialize in helping communities prepare for these WUCIOA deadlines with clarity, structure, and confidence. We know the pressure boards are under—because we’ve been there ourselves.

Our Services Include:

✅ WUCIOA Compliance Audit
We identify gaps in your current policies, practices, and documents.

✅ Reserve Study & Budget Support
We coordinate professional reserve studies and ensure your budgets meet state requirements.

✅ Owner & Board Education
We provide simple, effective training to help everyone understand what’s coming.

✅ Document Restatement
We’ll work with your attorney to modernize your bylaws, declarations, and enforcement policies.

✅ Deadline Tracking & Reporting
We keep your board on schedule, so nothing gets missed as 2026 and 2028 approach.

HOA Board Meeting Planning for WUCIOA Deadlines

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

WUCIOA deadlines for Washington HOAs are fixed. Delaying action risks non-compliance, legal trouble, and frustrated owners.

By working with a proactive management partner like AmLo, your board can stay ahead, stay organized, and stay protected.

Contact us today to schedule a WUCIOA readiness review for your community.

Coming Next in Our WUCIOA Blog Series:

In our next post, we’ll cover:

  • What a legally compliant reserve study includes

  • How to run board meetings that meet WUCIOA standards

  • Best practices for using electronic voting and notices

  • The risks of ignoring key deadlines

I need a quote
I need a quote