Key WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) Requirements as of Jan 1, 2026
The 2026 WUCIOA “Phase-In” is now active. To protect the Association from legal challenges and to
maintain property values, ensure your Board is following these five critical mandates:
1. The New “Open Meeting” Protocol
● 14-Day Notice: All board meetings (including committee meetings where decisions are
made) now require 14 to 50 days’ notice to all owners.
● Emergency Exception: Urgent matters (unforeseen leaks, safety hazards) only require
7 days’ notice and must be sent electronically.
● The 15-Minute Mandate: Every meeting MUST begin with a minimum 15-minute
owner comment period regarding agenda items before the Board votes.
2. Document Transparency (The “Pre-Read” Rule)
● If a Board Member receives a packet or written material (repair bids, financial reports,
etc.) to review before a meeting, those same materials must be made available to all
owners at the same time. Note: Executive session materials (legal/privacy) are exempt.
3. Financial Guardrails & Reserve Funds
● Account Titling: Reserve funds must be held in an interest-bearing account titled
exclusively in the name of the Association at a US-regulated financial institution.
● The No-Fee Option: The Association must provide at least one method of paying
assessments (e.g., check, ACH) that carries zero convenience fees for the owner.
4. Modern Owner Rights (EVs & Heat Pumps)
● The Board may no longer “unreasonably withhold” approval for the installation of EV
Charging Stations or Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps.
● Action Required: Boards should adopt “Reasonable Architectural Standards” now to
ensure these installations are safe and uniform.
5. Resale Certificate Liability
● Under 2026 rules, if a Resale Certificate is provided late (more than 10 days after
request) or contains incorrect data, the Buyer may cancel the contract with no penalty,
even 5 days after receiving it.
I am always here to help your residents make educated decisions. Feel free to forward my
information to your owners who might be looking to sell. I am always happy to sit in on meetings
to answer any questions about how the new rules directly effect selling their units.
Printable Version: 2026 HOA Board _Fast-Track_ Compliance Guide (1)
Alicia Ewbank, CCS
Windermere Real Estate East, Inc,
Founder of Sellmycondo.org
aliciae@windermere.com
(206)446-1952
aliciaewbank.withwre.com
sellmycondo.org
