Use this checklist to evaluate where your Washington HOA stands with the key requirements of RCW 64.90. Check off each item your community currently meets.
Based on provisions in effect as of January 1, 2026 (SB 5129) and the full applicability deadline of January 1, 2028.
Owners have the right to observe all board meetings except for limited executive session topics.
RCW 64.90.445(1)Meetings must begin with at least 15 minutes for owner comments on agenda items before the board votes.
RCW 64.90.445 (SB 5129)Formal notice to all owners at least 14 days before each meeting, OR a published schedule provided in advance.
RCW 64.90.445(2)Any written materials provided to board members before a meeting must also be made available to owners.
RCW 64.90.445 (SB 5129)Minutes should be finalized and distributed to owners in a timely manner. Delays can extend legal challenge windows.
RCW 64.90.445Executive sessions may only address a short list of confidential items and must occur during open meetings.
RCW 64.90.445(1)Committees with board-delegated decision-making authority must follow the same open meeting requirements.
RCW 64.90.445HOAs may hold meetings via telephone, video, or electronic conferencing regardless of what governing documents state.
RCW 64.90.445 (SB 5129)CC&Rs, bylaws, rules & regulations, and amendments must be available to homeowners.
RCW 64.90.445Approved minutes must be distributed or made available. This is a legal safeguard — delays extend challenge periods.
RCW 64.90.445Budgets, financial statements, and reserve studies should be accessible to homeowners.
RCW 64.90.445The association must be able to produce WUCIOA-compliant resale certificates for property sales.
RCW 64.90.640Records should be organized and retrievable — not scattered across personal email accounts and filing cabinets.
Best practiceElectronic distribution is increasingly expected. Paper-only systems make it harder to meet distribution requirements efficiently.
Best practiceBoard adopts a budget and presents it to membership for ratification. Rejected budgets default to the prior year's.
RCW 64.90.525Associations must accept at least one form of assessment payment at no charge to the owner.
RCW 64.90 (SB 5129)WUCIOA requires more rigorous reserve account management and disclosure of reserve study information.
RCW 64.90.545Annual financial statements should be prepared and made available to owners per transparency requirements.
RCW 64.90.445Owners should have clear information about assessment amounts, due dates, and payment methods.
Best practiceElections, board removals, and amendments must be conducted via secret ballot.
RCW 64.90.455All election ballots must include a blank space for write-in candidates.
RCW 64.90 (SB 5796)Incumbents and candidates are prohibited from accessing ballots before they are opened and counted at the meeting.
RCW 64.90.455Ballots must be opened, counted, and results recorded at the meeting called for that purpose.
RCW 64.90.455Notices must disclose number of positions, qualifications, and the nomination process.
RCW 64.90 (SB 5796)While not explicitly required, a website is the most practical way to meet WUCIOA's document distribution and transparency requirements at scale.
Best practiceMaking CC&Rs, bylaws, minutes, and meeting materials available online satisfies distribution requirements efficiently.
Best practiceA password-protected section for budgets, financials, and reserve studies ensures access while maintaining privacy.
Best practiceOwners should be able to easily find who's on the board, how to reach them, and when meetings are held.
Best practiceDisclaimer: This checklist is provided for informational and self-assessment purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) is complex and may affect your community differently based on when it was formed, its governing documents, and other factors. This checklist does not determine or guarantee legal readiness. Consult a qualified Washington community association attorney for legal guidance specific to your association. NW HOA Portal is not a law firm.