Washington State HOA and condominium law has been undergoing a historic transformation. The Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA, RCW 64.90) was already the governing statute for newer communities, but older communities were governed under separate acts. The 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions set a firm timeline for all Washington common interest communities to come under WUCIOA — and imposed early meeting compliance requirements that are already in effect.
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2024: WUCIOA for All Washington Communities (Phase-In)
SB 5796 — WUCIOA for All (Phase-In)
Senate Bill 5796, passed in the 2024 session, repeals multiple existing Washington HOA statutes effective **January 1, 2028**:
- Horizontal Property Regimes Act
- Washington Condominium Act
- HOA Act
- Land Development Act
After January 1, 2028, all Washington common interest communities — regardless of when they were formed — will be governed exclusively by WUCIOA (RCW 64.90). This is the most significant change to Washington HOA law in decades. Boards of older communities should begin reviewing their governing documents now to identify provisions that may be in conflict with WUCIOA's requirements.
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2025: Accelerated WUCIOA Meeting Compliance (Effective January 1, 2026)
SB 5129 — Accelerated WUCIOA Meeting Compliance
Rather than waiting until the full 2028 transition, SB 5129 requires **all** Washington common interest communities — regardless of size or formation date — to comply with WUCIOA's meeting requirements starting **January 1, 2026**.
The most significant immediate requirement: every open board meeting must include a **mandatory minimum 15-minute owner open-comment period at the beginning of the meeting**. This is not optional and cannot be waived by the board.
Boards that currently open meetings without a formal homeowner comment period must update their meeting procedures before January 1, 2026.
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What Washington HOA Boards Should Do Now
1. Begin a WUCIOA governing document review — identify provisions in your current CC&Rs and bylaws that may conflict with RCW 64.90 requirements (SB 5796, full effect January 1, 2028).
2. Update your board meeting agenda to include a mandatory 15-minute owner open-comment period at the beginning of every open session (SB 5129, effective January 1, 2026).
3. Train board members on WUCIOA open meeting requirements — what must be heard in open session versus executive session.
4. Consult counsel to identify whether a governing document amendment is needed before 2028.
5. Monitor WUCIOA developments — as the 2028 deadline approaches, expect additional regulatory guidance from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
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How APM Provides Remote HOA Management in Washington
APM provides professional remote HOA and condo management to Washington boards through our HOA Alchemy platform, serving communities in Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane, and across the state. Our team tracks WUCIOA implementation requirements and helps clients prepare governing documents and meeting procedures for full compliance. Contact us at billing@apmhoa.com or visit [apmhoa.com/remote-hoa-management/washington](https://www.apmhoa.com/remote-hoa-management/washington) for a free remote management proposal.
*This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions specific to your association, consult a licensed Washington attorney.*
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