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WUCIOA for All: New Year Brings New Rules for Community Associations

January 1, 2026 marked a major milestone for Washington’s common interest communities. With the first phase of the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) now in effect, all communities, regardless of when they were established, must comply with several new legal requirements.

This is the beginning of a statewide shift toward greater transparency, equity, and sustainability in community governance. For Boards and Clients, it is time to ensure that operations align with the law. For Homeowners, it is the beginning of a new era of rights and participation.

Trestle is here to support our Clients with the tools, expertise, and guidance needed to navigate this transition confidently.

What Is Now Required

As of January 1, 2026, the following provisions of WUCIOA are applicable to all common interest communities:

  • Open Meetings (RCW 64.90.445): Board and committee meetings where decisions are made must be open to all Homeowners. Associations must provide advance notice, allow Homeowner participation, and adhere to published agendas. Virtual meetings are permitted,
  • Free Assessment Payment Options (RCW 64.90.480(10)): Associations must offer at least one method for Homeowners to pay assessments without incurring a fee,
  • EV Charging Station Rights (RCW 64.90.513): Associations may not prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Reasonable safety and architectural standards may apply, and
  • Heat Pump Installation Rights (RCW 64.90.580): Associations may not prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of heat pumps within unit boundaries. Homeowners must follow reasonable standards and use qualified contractors.

Why This Matters

These changes are not optional. They are now part of Washington law and must be followed by all Boards of Directors. Communities that fail to comply risk legal challenges, operational disruptions, and reputational harm.

More importantly, these changes reflect evolving expectations from Homeowners. Transparency, sustainability, and fairness are no longer aspirational, they are required. Boards must be prepared to meet these expectations with professionalism and consistency.

What Boards Should Do Now

If your community has not yet taken action, now is the time. Boards should:

  • Confirm Meeting Compliance: Ensure that all Board and committee meetings are open, properly noticed, and allow for Homeowner participation. Adopt a formal meeting schedule and use standardized templates,
  • Review Payment Systems: Verify that at least one no-fee payment method is available and clearly communicated to Homeowners,
  • Update Architectural Guidelines: Revise standards to reflect the new rights related to EV charging stations and heat pumps. Ensure that application processes are timely, fair, and well-documented,
  • Educate Homeowners: Communicate the changes clearly and consistently. Provide resources and guidance to help Homeowners understand their rights and responsibilities, and
  • Consult Experts: Partner with a knowledgeable community management firm to ensure full compliance and effective implementation.

How Trestle Community Management Supports You

Trestle has been preparing for this transition since the legislation was introduced. Our services are designed to help Clients meet WUCIOA requirements with confidence and clarity. We offer:

  • Meeting Templates and Scheduling Tools: Our team provides templated notices and agendas that meet legal standards, along with tools to help Boards publish annual meeting schedules,
  • Financial Systems with No-Fee Options: Homeowners can pay their assessments via check or their financial institution’s bill pay service at no charge,
  • Architectural Review Support: We assist Boards in updating guidelines and processing applications for EV charging stations and heat pumps,
  • Board Advisory Services: We educate Boards and Board Members on the new requirements and provide strategic guidance for implementation, and
  • Homeowner Communication Tools: We help Clients prepare clear, consistent messaging to inform Homeowners of their rights and responsibilities.

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 changes now in effect, 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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