SB 5796 rewrites the rules for every homeowner association and condominium in Washington State. Here’s what board members and association managers need to know — and do — before January 1, 2028.
If you serve on an HOA or condominium board in Washington State, a major legal deadline is approaching. On January 1, 2028, Senate Bill 5796 takes effect, sweeping away four separate property acts and replacing them with a single, unified standard: the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA), codified as RCW 64.90.
For many associations, this means a complete overhaul of how they handle finances, accounting, and — critically — reserve studies. There is no grace period. On day one, full compliance is required.
Here’s a plain-language breakdown of the most important changes, and what your association should be doing right now to prepare.
What Laws Are Being Replaced?
SB 5796 repeals and consolidates four acts that currently govern Washington common interest communities:
-
The Horizontal Property Regimes Act (RCW 64.32)
-
The Washington Condominium Act (RCW 64.34)
-
The Homeowners’ Association Act (RCW 64.38)
-
The Land Development Act (RCW 58.19)
After January 1, 2028, all of these are gone. Every common interest community in Washington — regardless of when it was formed — will be governed exclusively by WUCIOA.
Reserve Studies Are Now Mandatory — For Nearly Every Association
Under WUCIOA, maintaining an up-to-date reserve study is no longer optional. All condominium and homeowner associations are required to conduct and update reserve studies annually, with a very narrow exemption for associations with fewer than 12 units and dues under $300 per year.
The reserve study must meet the standards outlined in RCW 64.90.545 and 64.90.550, which replace the previous condominium reserve requirements in RCW 64.34.380–392 that are being repealed.
SB 5796 rewrites the rules for every homeowner association and condominium in Washington State. Here’s what board members and association managers need to know — and do — before January 1, 2028.
If you serve on an HOA or condominium board in Washington State, a major legal deadline is approaching. On January 1, 2028, Senate Bill 5796 takes effect, sweeping away four separate property acts and replacing them with a single, unified standard: the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA), codified as RCW 64.90. For many associations, this means a complete overhaul of how they handle finances, accounting, and — critically — reserve studies. There is no grace period. On day one, full compliance is required.
How Pacific Crest Reserves Can Help
At Pacific Crest Reserves, we specialize in helping HOA boards and association managers in Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan, Island, and Snohomish counties navigate exactly these kinds of transitions. We prepare reserve studies that fully meet Washington State requirements and can walk your board through what WUCIOA means for your specific association. Whether you’re starting a reserve study for the first time or need to update an existing one to meet the 2028 standard, we’re here to help you protect your members’ investments and stay legally compliant.
