Here is what you need to know..
As of January 1, 2026, the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) applies to nearly all Washington HOAs and Condos. To manage major projects under these new legal standards, boards should focus on four key areas:
1. Bidding & Planning
– Professional Scope: Use an engineer or architect to draft precise specifications so all bids are comparable. I highly recommend having a professional project manager for any large projects.
– Competitive Bids: Aim for at least three bids from licensed, insured contractors. If this is not possible document the efforts the association has made to get bids.
– Reserve Alignment: Ensure the project aligns with your Reserve Study and current funding. If the project is going to severely deplete reserves look at special assessment or outside financing.
2. Mandatory Meeting Procedures
– Notice: Provide 14 days’ notice for board meetings.
– Transparency: Share all board meeting materials (bids, contracts) with owners.
– Owner Voice: Allow at least 15 minutes for owner comments before voting on any project decisions.
3. Financial & Legal Protections
– Fund Security: Reserve funds must be in association-owned, interest-bearing accounts.
– Legal Review: Have an attorney vet contracts for “retention clauses” (holding 5–10% until completion).
– Insurance: Verify the contractor lists the HOA as “Additional Insured.”
4. Communication
– Town Halls: Host info sessions to explain costs and timelines.
– Community Liaison: A single point of contact for the members. These ensures consistent communications with the members and avoid the “phone game.”
– Single Liaison: Designate one point of contact for the contractor or project manage to streamline communication.
