The 2026 changes to the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA), primarily through Senate Bill 5129 (SB 5129), do not generally impose new reserve study requirements on most small associations in 2026, but they do significantly alter the criteria for a small plat or miscellaneous community to be exempt from many WUCIOA provisions, including [...]
Here are some changes that will apply to all Washington State communities as of January 1, 2026: Meetings and Member Participation: All communities, including older ones, will be required to hold an annual meeting. The notice period for annual and special meetings will be standardized to no less than 14 days and no [...]
House Bill 1403: Simplifying Condominium Construction Statutes This is a significant change aimed at addressing the lack of new condominium construction in the state by reducing liability for builders. The bill, which took effect on July 27, 2025, amends the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) and the Condominium Act. Changes to Warranties: The [...]
With reports indicating the Trump administration is planning to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Many homeowners in Washington state are wondering what this could mean for them. These two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are the foundation of the American mortgage market, buying loans from lenders and providing the liquidity that makes home financing accessible. While [...]
Preserving Property Value Property value in an association-governed community depends on more than market trends or location. It relies heavily on how well shared infrastructure is maintained. When amenities decline, resale values follow. A reserve study protects against that downward slide by ensuring necessary repairs and replacements are adequately funded and timed. Deferred maintenance signals [...]
Property owners in Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties, take note: significant changes are on the horizon for how common interest communities operate, with many new provisions of the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) set to take effect sooner than anticipated. This impacts condominiums, plat communities, and other homeowner associations (HOAs) across our region, [...]
Heads up, Washington homeowners! That condo collapse in Florida back in 2021 was more than just a tragic news story – it's sent shockwaves through HOAs and condominium associations nationwide, including right here in Washington State. Why should you care? Because those ripple effects mean higher fees, bigger headaches, and a fresh look at what [...]
The changes to HUD under the Trump administration have a complex and potentially far-reaching impact on both current and future homeowners. Key Changes and Potential Impacts Rollback of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Rule: The rollback of the AFFH rule could potentially lead to increased segregation and unequal access to housing opportunities. This could [...]
WUCIOA how did we get here? It's important to understand the history of Washington State's laws regarding common interest communities, including condominiums. The laws are undergoing significant changes, particularly with the implementation of the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA). Here's a breakdown of the changes over time: Key Legislative Shifts: Washington Condominium Act [...]
For condominium and homeowners associations, strategic winter planning is crucial, especially when budgeting for services like snow removal. Tools like the Farmers' Almanac, with its long history of weather predictions, can offer valuable insights. This past winter, the Almanac forecasted a "wet and cold" season for the Pacific Northwest, influenced by La Niña, predicting a [...]