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WUCIOA for All: Free Assessment Payment Options Required

Beginning January 1, 2026, all common interest communities in Washington, regardless of when they were established, must comply with new financial requirements under the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA). One of the most straightforward yet impactful changes is the requirement that associations offer at least one method for Homeowners to pay assessments without incurring a fee.

This change is part of a broader effort to increase fairness, transparency, and accessibility in community association governance. For Boards and community managers, it means reviewing current payment systems and ensuring compliance. For Homeowners, it means greater flexibility and reduced financial burden.

Trestle is committed to helping our Clients meet this requirement efficiently and confidently.

What the Law Requires

Under RCW 64.90.480(10), associations must offer at least one payment method that allows Homeowners to pay assessments without being charged a fee. This applies to all common interest communities, including those governed by legacy statutes prior to WUCIOA.

The law does not mandate which method must be free, but it does require that at least one option be available at no cost to the Homeowner. This could include:

  • Mailed checks,
  • In-person payments, and
  • Online payments through a platform that does not charge a service fee.

Communities that currently charge fees for all payment methods must revise their practices to comply with this provision.

Why This Matters

Assessment payments are a core function of community association operations. They fund essential services such as maintenance, insurance, utilities, and reserve contributions. Ensuring that Homeowners can make these payments without incurring additional costs increases accessibility.

For some Homeowners, even small transaction fees can add up over time. By offering a no-cost option, associations remove a potential barrier to timely payment and demonstrate a commitment to fairness.

This change also aligns with broader trends in consumer protection and financial transparency. As more Homeowners become aware of their rights under WUCIOA, Boards must be prepared to answer questions and provide clear, compliant options.

What Boards Should Do Now

To prepare for this requirement, Boards should:

  • Review Current Payment Methods: Identify which options are currently available and whether any of them are free to Homeowners,
  • Coordinate with Management and Payment Providers: Work with your community management company or financial services provider to ensure at least one no-fee option is available and clearly communicated,
  • Update Communication Materials: Ensure that payment instructions, websites, and Homeowner portals reflect the availability of a free payment method, and
  • Document Compliance: Keep records of the payment methods offered and any updates made to comply with WUCIOA.

How Trestle Community Management Supports You

Trestle’s financial systems already meet the requirements of RCW 64.90.480(10). We offer:

  • No-Fee Payment Options: Homeowners can pay their assessments via check or their financial institution’s bill pay service at no charge,
  • Clear Communication Tools: We provide notices to ensure Homeowners understand their payment options,
  • Financial Transparency: Our accounting practices are designed to support compliance, accuracy, and Homeowner trust, and
  • Board Advisory Services: We help Boards evaluate their current systems and make any necessary adjustments to meet WUCIOA standards.

Whether your community is a garden style or mid-rise condominium, a large-scale HOA, or an active-adult neighborhood, our services are designed to support your success under WUCIOA.

Download the Full Guide

To help Boards and Homeowners understand the upcoming changes, we have created a free downloadable resource, WUCIOA for All: A Guide for Pre-WUCIOA Communities. This guide includes:

  • A summary of WUCIOA’s background and purpose,
  • A detailed implementation timeline,
  • Specific changes affecting meetings, assessments, EV charging, and heat pumps, and
  • Practical steps for Boards to prepare.

Learn More

The transition to WUCIOA is an opportunity to modernize governance, improve transparency, and empower Homeowners. With the right support, your community can navigate these changes smoothly and confidently.

To learn more about how Trestle supports community associations, contact us at (425) 454-6404, visit www.trestlecm.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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