From the President's Desk

Navigating Washington's New Community Association Laws: What Every Board Needs to Know

Over the past year, Community Associations throughout Washington have experienced the most significant legislative changes in decades. With the full implementation of the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA), the expectations placed upon Boards of Directors have changed dramatically.

These new laws are intended to increase transparency, accountability, and homeowner participation, while providing greater consistency in how community associations are governed across the state.

While many Associations have traditionally operated under long-standing practices, those practices may no longer satisfy the current legal requirements. In fact, additional statutory changes are already scheduled to become effective January 1, 2028, making it more important than ever for Boards to stay informed and prepared.

What Has Changed?

The role of a Board member has always carried important fiduciary responsibilities, but under WUCIOA there is now greater emphasis on documenting decisions, conducting business openly, and ensuring homeowners have access to the governance process.

Some of the most significant changes include:

Open Board Meetings

Board meetings are now generally required to be open to all owners, except when discussing matters that qualify for Executive Session, such as legal matters, personnel issues, contract negotiations, or owner delinquencies.

Boards should expect increased homeowner participation and should conduct meetings professionally with clear agendas and documented minutes.

Board Decisions Must Occur During a Meeting

One of the most important changes under WUCIOA is that Board actions must generally be taken during a duly called Board meeting.

For many years, numerous Boards conducted business through email discussions or informal approvals between meetings. While convenient, that practice is now greatly restricted.

Except for limited circumstances specifically allowed by statute, Board decisions should be discussed and voted upon during an open Board meeting where the action is properly recorded in the meeting minutes.

Notice Requirements

Associations must provide proper notice of Board meetings to homeowners.

Depending upon your governing documents and applicable statutes, this includes providing notice sufficiently in advance of meetings, publishing agendas when required, and allowing owners the opportunity to attend.

Failure to provide proper notice may jeopardize actions taken by the Board.

Meeting Minutes

Accurate meeting minutes have become more important than ever.

Minutes should clearly document:

• Motions made
• Votes taken
• Board decisions
• Actions approved
• Executive Sessions held (without disclosing confidential information)

Meeting minutes now serve as an essential record demonstrating compliance with state law.

Records and Transparency

WUCIOA expands homeowners' rights to inspect Association records.

Boards should ensure they maintain organized records, financial documents, contracts, meeting minutes, governing documents, insurance information, and other official Association records in accordance with statutory requirements.

Governance and Fiduciary Responsibilities

Serving on a Board is more than volunteering—it carries legal responsibilities.

Board members are expected to:

• Act in the best interest of the Association
• Exercise reasonable care when making decisions
• Follow governing documents
• Comply with Washington statutes
• Maintain transparency with homeowners

Good governance protects not only the Association, but also the volunteer Board members serving their community.

Looking Ahead to January 1, 2028

Washington's transition to WUCIOA is not complete.

Additional provisions are scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2028, including changes affecting voting procedures, electronic voting, governing document amendments, and other operational requirements.

Boards should begin planning now rather than waiting until these changes become mandatory.

Preparing early allows Associations to update policies, educate Board members, and implement new procedures without unnecessary stress.

We're Here to Help

At NW Management Group LLC, staying current with Washington's evolving community association laws is one of our highest priorities.

Our management team continually monitors legislative changes and works alongside Boards to help ensure compliance while maintaining efficient and effective operations.

We assist our clients with:

• WUCIOA compliance guidance
• Board education and training
• Meeting preparation and procedures
• Notice and agenda requirements
• Meeting minute preparation
• Policy and rule updates
• Governance best practices
• Record retention and transparency
• Election and annual meeting administration

Our goal is to help Boards navigate these changes confidently while allowing volunteers to focus on serving their communities.

Strong Communities Begin with Strong Governance

The legislative changes brought by WUCIOA are reshaping how community associations operate throughout Washington State. While adapting to new requirements can seem overwhelming, these changes ultimately promote stronger governance, greater transparency, and increased confidence among homeowners.

Whether your Association has already begun implementing these new requirements or is just beginning the transition, NW Management Group LLC is committed to providing the guidance, expertise, and support your Board needs every step of the way.

Together, we can build well-governed, financially sound, and thriving communities for years to come.

Brenda M. Hamlin
President
NW Management Group LLC