WUCIOA for All: How Spokane and Eastern Washington Communities Can Prepare for 2026–2028

Big Changes Ahead for Spokane and Eastern Washington Communities

If you live in or help govern a homeowners association, condominium, or planned development in Spokane or Eastern Washington, major legal updates are on the horizon.

Starting January 1, 2026, the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) will begin applying to all communities—regardless of when they were created. And by January 1, 2028, every HOA, condo, and plat across Washington will fall fully under WUCIOA.

This shift will directly affect how communities across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, and Cheney operate, from meetings and payment procedures to architectural approvals and reserve planning.

At HOA Organizers, we’re already guiding Boards through these changes—helping communities large and small build compliance roadmaps that protect homeowners and simplify operations.

What Is WUCIOA—and Why It Matters in 2026 and 2028

The Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (RCW 64.90), known as WUCIOA, was enacted in 2018 to modernize and unify the state’s HOA and condo laws. For years, it applied only to newly formed communities.

However, recent updates—Senate Bill 5129 (2024) and Senate Bill 5796 (2023)—expand WUCIOA’s reach, phasing in all communities statewide between 2026 and 2028.

That means even long-standing neighborhoods in Spokane Valley, the South Hill, or Liberty Lake will need to align their practices and governing documents with the new law.

Key Deadlines for Spokane and Eastern Washington

January 1, 2026 – Core Provisions Apply to Everyone

Several provisions will apply to every community in Washington, regardless of when it was formed. These include:

Open meeting requirements — Boards must provide notice, allow owner observation, and include owner comment periods.
Emergency powers — Boards can act during declared emergencies but must document decisions transparently.
Payment processing rules — Standards for accepting assessment payments, including limits on processing fees.
EV charger and heat pump rights — Owners gain defined rights to install sustainable systems under reasonable guidelines.

January 1, 2028 – Full “WUCIOA for All” Transition

By 2028, all existing HOA and condo statutes (RCW 64.32, 64.34, and 64.38) will be repealed. Every community—whether it’s a 12-home plat in Cheney or a 300-unit condominium in Spokane Valley—will operate under a single, modern law.

What Spokane Boards Should Expect

1. Open and Transparent Meetings

Boards will be required to post agendas in advance, maintain accessible minutes, and provide an owner comment period. For communities that have historically operated more informally, this is a significant culture shift—but one that can strengthen trust and participation.

2. Emergency Powers

The Inland Northwest has faced its share of emergencies—wildfires, snowstorms, and power outages. WUCIOA gives Boards clearer authority to make emergency decisions and hold virtual meetings when necessary, while maintaining accountability to homeowners.

3. EV Chargers and Heat Pumps

While not yet common in smaller HOAs, electric vehicle charging and energy-efficient heating are growing priorities. WUCIOA requires associations to allow installations under reasonable conditions, so communities will need updated architectural standards and consistent review procedures.

4. Assessment Payments and Financial Transparency

The law clarifies how assessment payments can be accepted and limits the use of convenience fees. If your HOA uses an online payment portal or accepts checks by mail, it’s time to verify that your payment methods comply with WUCIOA.

5. Reserve Studies and Fiscal Planning

Although the 2026 phase-in doesn’t impose new reserve-study mandates, it reinforces the importance of long-term financial planning. Spokane-area communities, especially self-managed associations, should start reviewing their reserve studies now to ensure they align with both WUCIOA and Washington’s existing reserve requirements.

How WUCIOA Impacts Spokane and Eastern Washington Communities

Eastern Washington’s communities are diverse—from condominiums along the Spokane River to master-planned developments in Liberty Lake and Cheney. WUCIOA’s impact will vary depending on your structure:

Self-managed HOAs will need to implement formal processes for meetings, notices, and owner participation.
Professionally managed communities will require updated policies and board training to ensure compliance.
Condo associations may need to revise declarations, bylaws, and budgets to meet unified standards.

No matter your size or location, early preparation is key to avoiding disruption and confusion.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for Compliance

1. Review governing documents.
Compare your CC&Rs and bylaws to WUCIOA to identify areas needing revision—especially meeting, voting, and enforcement procedures.

2. Adopt open-meeting policies.
Formalize notice requirements, owner comment periods, and minute-keeping practices.

3. Clarify your architectural standards.
Add language for EV chargers, solar panels, and heat pumps that aligns with new owner rights.

4. Review financial and payment processes.
Ensure your methods for collecting assessments comply with WUCIOA’s updated acceptance and fee rules.

5. Plan for a full document restatement before 2028.
Updating early will save legal costs and prevent compliance issues once older statutes are repealed.

Why Spokane Boards Choose HOA Organizers

At HOA Organizers, we partner with communities throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, and Eastern Washington to simplify operations and ensure compliance.

Our team combines:

CPA-led accounting and transparent financial reporting
Technology-forward homeowner portals and communication tools
Expert guidance on WUCIOA compliance and board best practices
Hands-on management tailored to your community’s size and needs

We understand the realities of governing communities across Eastern Washington—from rural plats with gravel roads to large, master-planned developments with multiple sub-associations. Our mission is to make your compliance journey seamless and stress-free.

The Bottom Line: Compliance and Confidence Go Hand in Hand

WUCIOA for All marks a new era of professionalism, transparency, and consistency for community associations across Washington. While the changes may feel overwhelming, the right management partner makes it achievable.

With HOA Organizers as your guide, your Board can approach 2026 and 2028 with confidence—knowing your policies, finances, and governance are not just compliant but optimized for success.

Request a proposal today to see how HOA Organizers can help your Spokane or Eastern Washington community stay compliant, efficient, and connected.