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Washington HOA & condo law, in plain English

Washington is part way through moving every HOA and condominium onto one law, the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA, RCW 64.90). Which rules apply to you today depends on when your association was created.

Which law governs your association today

DateWhat happened
1 July 2018WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) took effect. It fully governs associations created on or after this date.
1 January 2026A list of ten WUCIOA sections began applying to associations created before 1 July 2018 (RCW 64.90.365(1)). This did not make WUCIOA fully apply to anyone.
1 January 2028WUCIOA applies to every common interest community (RCW 64.90.360(2)). The old chapters, RCW 64.32, 64.34 and 64.38, are repealed.

Until 2028, an older association runs on its old chapter: homeowners associations on RCW 64.38, condominiums created before 1990 on RCW 64.32, and condominiums created from 1990 on RCW 64.34, plus the ten sections that already reach back.

Your board may be quoting dead section numbers. In 2024 the key sections were renumbered: RCW 64.90.075 is now 64.90.360, 64.90.080 is now 64.90.365, and 64.90.095 is now 64.90.370. Memos written before mid-2024 usually use the old numbers.

The ten sections that already reach older associations

Since 1 January 2026, older associations must follow WUCIOA on: the opt-in route (64.90.370); the duty to adopt budgets and impose assessments (64.90.405(1)(b) and (c)); meetings (64.90.445); a free way to pay assessments (64.90.480(10)); emergency powers (64.90.502); EV charging (64.90.513); budget ratification (64.90.525); reserve studies (64.90.545); heat pumps (64.90.580); and the definitions needed to read them (64.90.010).

Reserve studies can't be waived

RCW 64.90.545 requires a reserve study, updated every year, with a professional update and site visit at least every third year. The words "waive" and "waiver" do not appear in the section, so an annual vote to waive the study has no basis in the statute. It applies to older associations too. Owners holding at least 20% of the votes can demand a study when more than three years have passed since the last professional one (RCW 64.90.555).

Silence means yes on budgets

Under RCW 64.90.525 a budget, or a special assessment, is ratified unless owners holding a majority of all the votes in the association vote to reject it. No quorum is needed at that meeting.

New in 2026

From 11 June 2026, a resale certificate costs no more than $275 to prepare and $100 to update within six months (RCW 64.90.640). From the same date, an owner who sends a written question by certified mail is entitled to a substantive written answer within 30 days (RCW 64.90.715).

General information only, current to September 2026. Check the statute on the Legislature's RCW site, and ask your association's attorney or a Washington-licensed attorney about your own situation.
Free, ready to copy

Letters you can send

The letters from The Washington HOA & Condo Handbook. Fill in the square brackets, keep a copy, and send them in a way that gives you proof of delivery.

From The 2028 Deadline.

1. Which chapter governs us?

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Which statute governs the association

I own [unit or lot number, address]. Under RCW 64.90.360(2), before 1 January 2028 WUCIOA applies only to communities created on or after 1 July 2018 and to older communities that have elected in.

Please tell me in writing:

(1) the date the association was created and the recording number of the declaration; (2) which chapter the board believes governs the association today: RCW 64.32, 64.34, 64.38 or 64.90; (3) whether the association has ever amended its declaration to elect into RCW 64.90, and if so, when; and (4) whether the board considers the association exempt from any part of RCW 64.90 under RCW 64.90.360, and on what basis.

Thank you.

[Name, address, email, telephone]

2. Please update renumbered citations

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Citations to recodified sections

The [memo / policy / notice] dated [date] cites RCW [64.90.075 / 64.90.080 / 64.90.095]. Those sections were recodified by 2024 c 321 as RCW 64.90.360, 64.90.365 and 64.90.370 respectively. The reach-back list now at RCW 64.90.365(1) was also expanded with effect from 1 January 2026.

[It also cites RCW 64.38.062 / 64.38.180, which were repealed on 1 January 2026 and replaced for older associations by RCW 64.90.513 / 64.90.580.]

Please could the board (1) correct the citations in that document, (2) confirm whether other association documents use the old numbers, and (3) confirm that the document's content reflects the current reach-back list.

Thank you.

[Name, address, email, telephone]

3. The board's 2028 plan

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Preparation for 1 January 2028

Under RCW 64.90.360(2), WUCIOA will govern this association in full from 1 January 2028, when [RCW 64.32 / 64.34 / 64.38] is repealed.

Please tell me in writing:

(1) whether the association's attorney has reviewed our governing documents against RCW 64.90.375, and if not, when that is planned; (2) whether the proposed budget includes money for that review; (3) how the board will update its procedures for records, fines, elections, collections and resale certificates; (4) whether the management company has a written transition plan; and (5) how and when owners will be told about the changes.

Thank you.

[Name, address, email, telephone]

4. Which reach-back sections are in place?

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: RCW 64.90.365(1)

Since 1 January 2026, the sections listed in RCW 64.90.365(1) have applied to associations created before 1 July 2018.

Please confirm in writing how the association is meeting each of the following: (1) budget and special assessment ratification under RCW 64.90.525; (2) open board meetings, executive session limits and the owner comment period under RCW 64.90.445; (3) a no-charge payment method under RCW 64.90.480(10); (4) reserve studies under RCW 64.90.545; and (5) EV charging and heat pump applications under RCW 64.90.513 and 64.90.580.

If the board considers any of these not to apply, please say why.

Thank you.

[Name, address, email, telephone]

5. Owners' request for an opt-in vote

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Request under RCW 64.90.370(3)

We are owners holding [number] of the association's [total] votes, which is at least 20% of the votes in the association. Our names, units and signatures are set out below.

Under RCW 64.90.370(3), we request that the board propose an amendment to the declaration electing to make the association subject to chapter 64.90 RCW, give owners at least 30 days' notice of a meeting to discuss it, and then send owners the amendment and a ballot.

Please confirm in writing, within [number] days, the date of the discussion meeting.

[Name, unit or lot, signature, date, for each owner]

6. Request for governing documents and records

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Records request under [RCW 64.38.045 / RCW 64.34.372 / RCW 64.90.495]

I own [unit or lot number, address]. Under [the section above], I ask to inspect or receive copies of:

(1) the recorded declaration and all recorded amendments; (2) the bylaws and current rules; (3) the current budget and the notice of its ratification meeting; (4) the most recent reserve study; (5) board and owner meeting minutes for the last 12 months; and (6) any written opinion the board has obtained on which statute governs the association.

Electronic copies are fine. Please tell me any copying charge before incurring it, and when the records will be available.

[Name, address, email, telephone]

7. Reserve study status

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Reserve study under RCW 64.90.545

RCW 64.90.545 requires an annual reserve study update, with a professional update based on a visual site inspection at least every third year. It applies to older associations through RCW 64.90.365(1)(h) and contains no provision for waiving the study.

Please tell me in writing:

(1) the date and level of the most recent reserve study update; (2) the date of the last update by a reserve study professional with a site inspection; (3) whether the association has held any vote to waive a reserve study since 1 January 2026; and (4) if the board relies on an exemption under RCW 64.90.545(2), which one and on what evidence.

Thank you.

[Name, address, email, telephone]

8. Written inquiry under RCW 64.90.715

[Date]

By certified mail

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Owner inquiry under RCW 64.90.715

I own [unit or lot number, address]. This is a written inquiry under RCW 64.90.715 about the association's governance and operations. I ask for a substantive written response within 30 days.

My question is: [state the question clearly, for example, "On what statutory basis did the board adopt the fine schedule dated [date], and when and how was it furnished to owners?"]

If the board needs to extend the response period under the statute, please tell me the reason and the new date.

Thank you.

[Name, address, email, telephone]

From You Can’t Waive It.

1. The 20% demand for a reserve study

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Demand under RCW 64.90.555 for a reserve study

We, the undersigned owners, together hold at least 20% of the votes in the association. More than three years have passed since the last reserve study prepared by a reserve study professional, which we understand was dated [date, or "we are aware of none"].

Under RCW 64.90.555, we demand that the cost of a reserve study be included in the association's next budget, and that the study be completed by the end of that budget year. We ask that the study meet RCW 64.90.545 and RCW 64.90.550.

Please confirm receipt of this demand, and confirm in writing which budget will include the cost.

[For each owner: name, unit, votes or percentage allocated, signature, date]

Contact for replies: [name, address, email]

2. Request for the reserve study and updates

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Reserve study records

I own unit [number]. Under [RCW 64.90.495 / for an older HOA, RCW 64.38.045 / for an older condominium, RCW 64.34.372], I ask to inspect or receive copies of:

(1) the current reserve study or update required by RCW 64.90.545; (2) each update prepared in the last three years; and (3) the most recent study prepared by a reserve study professional with a site visit, if different.

For each, please confirm its date, its stated level (I, II or III) and who prepared it.

I am happy to receive electronic copies.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email]

3. On what authority is the waiver vote held?

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Reserve study waiver motion

I own unit [number]. The [annual meeting agenda / minutes of date] include a motion to waive the reserve study.

RCW 64.90.545 requires an association to prepare and update a reserve study. It applies to associations created before 1 July 2018 through RCW 64.90.365(1)(h). I cannot find any provision for waiving it, and the section lists four exemptions in subsection (2).

Please tell me on what authority the waiver vote is held. If the board considers the association exempt, please tell me which exemption in RCW 64.90.545(2) applies, with the figures relied on. If the governing documents contain a waiver provision, please identify it.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email]

4. Reserve account statements

[Date]

To the Treasurer, [association name]

Re: Reserve accounts under RCW 64.90.535

I own unit [number]. Please provide the most recent statement for each account holding reserve funds, and tell me for each:

(1) the institution where it is held; (2) the exact name in which it is titled; (3) the type of account or investment; (4) the current balance; and (5) the authorized signatories.

If any reserve funds are held in securities, please tell me which condition in RCW 64.90.535 permits it, and the share of reserves held in insured deposits, money market funds, certificates of deposit and Treasury obligations.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email]

5. Borrowing from reserves

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Reserve borrowing under RCW 64.90.540

I own unit [number]. Please tell me whether the association has borrowed from its reserves in the last three years. For each loan, please give:

(1) the unforeseen cost it paid for; (2) the amount; (3) the date written notice was sent to owners, with a copy; (4) the repayment schedule and the amount repaid so far; (5) whether the board has extended repayment beyond 24 months, and if so, when and on what finding; and (6) the two officer or director signatures and documented route under RCW 64.90.535.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email]

6. The audit, or the waiver resolution

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Annual audit under [RCW 64.90.530 / the audit provision that applies to the association]

I own unit [number]. Please provide a copy of the most recent annual audit of the association's financial statements, and the name of the certified public accountant who prepared it.

If the audit was waived, please provide the waiver resolution, the date of the vote, the number of votes in favor, the total votes in the association, and confirmation that the declarant's votes were excluded. Please also confirm the association's total annual assessments for that year.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email]

7. A board member proposes budgeting the study

[Date]

To my fellow directors, [association name]

Re: Reserve study in the [year] budget

RCW 64.90.545 requires the association to prepare a reserve study, update it annually, and have a reserve study professional update it with a site visit at least every third year. The section contains no waiver. It applies to our association [directly / through RCW 64.90.365(1)(h)].

Our last professional study with a site visit was [date]. I propose that:

(1) the [year] proposed budget include [amount, from quotes attached] for a [Level I / Level II] study; (2) any reserve study waiver motion be removed from future agendas; and (3) the preparer present the findings at an open board meeting.

I ask that this be placed on the agenda for [meeting date].

[Name, director]

8. The full component list

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Reserve study component list under RCW 64.90.550

I own unit [number]. The reserve study summary circulated to owners does not include the component list.

RCW 64.90.550 requires the study to list its components with quantities, useful life, remaining useful life and replacement cost. Please provide the full component list from the current study or update, together with the interest and inflation assumptions, the percent funded, and the 30-year projection.

If the association is not yet subject to RCW 64.90.550, please provide the same information to the extent the current study contains it.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email]

From Silence Means Yes.

1. Records request

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name], c/o [manager name and address]

Re: Request for association records, [unit address]

I am the owner of [unit]. Under [RCW 64.90.495 / RCW 64.38.045 / RCW 64.34.372], I request [copies of / the opportunity to inspect] the following records:

1. [Record, with date range]
2. [Record, with date range]
3. [Record, with date range]

Please provide electronic copies where they exist. [For a post-2018 association: RCW 64.90.495(2)(a)(ii) requires records to be made available on 10 days' notice and in no case later than 21 days without a court order. / For an older association: I would find it reasonable to receive these by [date], because [reason, for example the ratification meeting on (date)].]

If any record is withheld or redacted, please identify the provision relied on. Please tell me in advance of any copying charge.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email, telephone]

2. Certified-mail inquiry

[Date]

BY CERTIFIED MAIL

To the Board of Directors, [association name], [address]

Re: Owner inquiry under RCW 64.90.715

I am the owner of [unit]. This is a written inquiry under RCW 64.90.715 about the association's [governance / operations]. I request a substantive written response within 30 days.

My questions are:

1. [Question]
2. [Question]
3. [Question]

If the board intends to extend the time for its response under RCW 64.90.715, please tell me which ground it relies on and the date by which I can expect the response.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email, telephone]

3. Special meeting demand

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name], [address]

Re: Demand for a special meeting of owners under RCW 64.90.445

The owners signing below hold [number] of the [total] votes in the association, which is at least 20% of the votes. Under RCW 64.90.445, we demand a special meeting of owners.

The purpose of the meeting is: [one clear purpose].

Please give notice of the meeting within 30 days of receiving this demand. If notice is not given within that time, the signing owners may give notice themselves, as RCW 64.90.445 provides.

Contact for the signing owners: [name, email, telephone]

[Owner name, unit, votes, signature, date: one line for each owner]

4. Board meetings and the owner comment period

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name], c/o [manager]

Re: Attending board and committee meetings under RCW 64.90.445

I am the owner of [unit]. Under RCW 64.90.445, board and committee meetings are open to owners, and the first 15 minutes of each board meeting are reserved for owner comment.

Please send me:

1. The dates, times and places of board and committee meetings for [period].
2. The remote attendance method for each, including the telephone option.
3. The agenda for each meeting when it is issued.
4. Any written procedure the board uses for the owner comment period.

I intend to speak in the comment period at the meeting on [date] about [subject].

[Name, unit, mailing address, email, telephone]

5. Objection to a proposed budget

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, and to my fellow owners at [association name]

Re: Proposed [year] budget, ratification meeting on [date]

The board has proposed a budget of $[amount], up $[amount] from the last ratified budget. For each home that is $[amount] a month more.

I object to it for these reasons: [one or two lines each, with figures].

Under RCW 64.90.525, this budget is ratified unless owners holding a majority of all votes in the association, [number] of [total], vote to reject it at the meeting on [date]. No quorum is required. Owners who do not vote are, in effect, counted for it. If it is rejected, the last ratified budget continues.

I ask owners who agree to vote to reject it [in person / by proxy / by absentee ballot / remotely], and I ask the board to confirm in writing how owners may cast a vote to reject.

[Name, unit, email, telephone]

6. Basis of an emergency special assessment

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name], c/o [manager]

Re: Emergency special assessment of $[amount] notified on [date]

I am the owner of [unit]. I understand the board levied this assessment under RCW 64.90.502, which permits an immediately effective special assessment by a two-thirds board vote in an emergency and requires the board to act reasonably and promptly notify owners.

Please tell me:

1. What the emergency was and when it arose.
2. Why the matter could not go through ratification under RCW 64.90.525.
3. How the amount was calculated, with quotes or invoices.
4. The date of the vote, how many directors took part, and how each voted.
5. Whether reserves were used, and how much.

Please also provide the minutes or written record of the decision.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email, telephone]

7. Secret ballot and independent counting

[Date]

To the Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Conduct of the [year] election

We are owners of [association name]. We ask the board to conduct the coming election by secret ballot, with ballots counted by tellers who are not candidates, in the presence of any owner who wishes to observe, and with vote totals announced and minuted.

[For an older HOA: RCW 64.38.120 does not require this, but RCW 64.90.455 will require secret ballots and bar incumbents from counting in every Washington association from 1 January 2028. We ask the board to adopt that standard now.] [For a post-2018 association: RCW 64.90.455 requires a secret ballot for board elections and bars incumbents from counting. Please confirm how the association will comply.]

We offer [names] as tellers.

[Names, units, signatures]

8. Request for minutes

[Date]

To the Secretary, [association name], c/o [manager]

Re: Minutes of meetings

I am the owner of [unit]. Under [RCW 64.90.495 / RCW 64.38.045 / RCW 64.34.372], please provide electronic copies of the minutes of:

1. [Board / owners' / committee] meeting of [date]
2. [Meeting and date]

If any minutes are still in draft, please send the draft marked as such and the approved version once adopted. If minutes record an executive session, please confirm that no final vote or action was taken in it, as RCW 64.90.445 requires.

[Name, unit, mailing address, email, telephone]

From Before They Foreclose.

1. Dispute of the balance, and request for a full ledger

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name], c/o [manager or address]

Re: [Unit or lot and address], account [number]

I dispute the balance of $[amount] shown on your [notice or statement] dated [date].

Please make available to me, under [RCW 64.90.495 / RCW 64.38.045 / RCW 64.34.372], a complete ledger for my account from the last date it was at zero. For each entry please show the date, the amount, and whether it is an assessment, special assessment, fine, late charge, interest, attorneys' fee or other charge. For each payment, please show the charges it was applied to.

Please also send copies of any invoices supporting attorneys' fees charged to my account.

I ask that no further collection fees be added while this request is outstanding.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

2. How was each payment applied?

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: [Unit or lot and address], account [number]

[For WUCIOA associations: This is a written inquiry under RCW 64.90.715, sent by certified mail.]

I have made the following payments: [dates and amounts]. For each one, please tell me in writing which charges it was applied to, in what order, and the amount applied to each.

Please also tell me which provision of the declaration, bylaws, rules or collection policy governs the order in which the association applies payments. If there is none, please say so.

I understand that Washington law does not itself set an order. I intend my payment of [date] to be applied to [my oldest unpaid assessments]. Please confirm whether the association will apply it that way.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

3. Request for the fine schedule and proof it was furnished

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Fine of $[amount] dated [date], [unit or lot and address]

Under [RCW 64.90.405(2)(l) and RCW 64.90.505 / RCW 64.38.020(11)], a fine may be imposed only under a previously established schedule of fines adopted by the board and furnished to owners.

Please send me:

1. The schedule of fines relied on for this fine.

2. The date the board adopted it, with the minutes of that meeting.

3. Proof of how and when it was furnished to owners.

4. The rule I am said to have broken, and the date it was adopted.

Please suspend the fine, and any late charges on it, until I have received these documents.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

4. Request for a hearing on a fine

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: Fine of $[amount] dated [date], [unit or lot and address]

Under [RCW 64.90.405(2)(l) / RCW 64.38.020(11)], a fine may be imposed only after notice and an opportunity to be heard. [I was not offered a hearing before this fine was imposed. / I was unable to attend the hearing on [date] because [reason].]

I request a hearing before the board [or its designated representative, under the procedures in the bylaws or rules]. Please give me written notice of the date, time and place, and tell me who will hear it.

I ask that the fine be suspended until the hearing has been held and a decision given to me in writing.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

5. Has the threshold been met, excluding fines and fees?

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: [Unit or lot and address], account [number]

Your notice dated [date] refers to foreclosure. Under [RCW 64.90.485 / RCW 64.38.100 / RCW 64.34.364], I understand that foreclosure may not proceed unless I owe at least the greater of three months of assessments or $2,000, excluding fines, late charges, interest and attorneys' fees, and 90 days have passed since that amount was reached.

Please tell me in writing:

1. The total of my unpaid assessments only.

2. The threshold figure the association applies to me, and how it was calculated.

3. The date the association says I reached it.

4. Whether that figure includes any special assessment, collection cost or other charge, and under what authority.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

6. Request relating to mediation

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name], and [association's attorney]

Re: [Unit or lot and address], account [number]

I am seeking referral to mediation under RCW 61.24.163 in connection with your notice dated [date]. [I have been referred by [name of housing counselor or attorney] on [date].]

Please confirm in writing that the association will pause the foreclosure process while mediation takes place, and give me the name and contact details of the person who will attend mediation with authority to agree terms for the association.

Please also send me, before the mediation, a full ledger of my account and a copy of any collection policy.

I would like to resolve this, and I intend to come to mediation with a written proposal.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

7. Objection to fees charged during the 15-day freeze

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: [Unit or lot and address], account [number]

Your first preforeclosure notice is dated [date]. Under [RCW 64.90.485 / RCW 64.38.100 / RCW 64.34.364], I understand that for 15 days after that notice no collection action may be taken except mailing costs, an administrative fee of no more than $10, and a single late fee of no more than $50 or 5% of the unpaid assessment, whichever is less.

My account shows the following charges dated in that period: [date, description, amount, for each].

The unpaid assessment was $[amount], so the late fee cap was $[amount]. I object to [the following charges], totaling $[amount], and ask that they be removed and a corrected statement sent to me.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

8. Request for a payment arrangement

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name]

Re: [Unit or lot and address], account [number]

I understand that Washington law does not give me a right to a payment plan, and I am writing to ask the board to consider one.

I propose to pay $[amount] a month, starting [date]: my current assessment of $[amount] plus $[amount] toward the arrears of $[amount]. At that rate the arrears would clear by [date].

I ask that, while I keep to the arrangement, the association: apply each payment first to my current assessment and then to my oldest unpaid assessments; add no further late charges or collection fees; and take no further collection action.

I ask that any agreement, including how payments will be applied, be put in writing.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

From The $275 Certificate.

1. Seller's request for the resale certificate

[Date]

[Association name], c/o [manager or board president], [address or email]

Re: Resale certificate, [unit address and number]

I am the owner of the unit above and I am preparing to sell it. Under RCW 64.90.640, please furnish a resale certificate for the unit within 10 days of this request.

Please send it electronically to [email]. I understand that under RCW 64.90.640, as amended by 2026 c 194, the fee for preparing it may not exceed $275, an update within six months may not exceed $100, and there is no additional charge for electronic delivery.

Please send an itemized invoice with the certificate, and confirm the date the certificate is issued.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

2. Buyer's notice of cancellation

[Date]

To: [seller's name], c/o [seller's broker]. Copy: [escrow officer], [buyer's broker]

Re: Purchase and sale agreement dated [date] for [unit address and number]

I first received the resale certificate for this unit on [date], by [email or delivery method]. I signed the purchase and sale agreement on [date].

Under RCW 64.90.640, I give notice that I cancel the agreement. This notice is given within five business days of my first receiving the resale certificate.

Please confirm receipt of this notice in writing. I am sending a copy to the escrow officer and to every address given for notices in the agreement.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

3. Objection to a resale fee above the cap

[Date]

[Association name], c/o [manager], [address or email]

Re: Resale certificate invoice [number], [unit address and number]

Your invoice dated [date] charges $[amount] for [preparing / updating / electronically delivering] the resale certificate for this unit.

Under RCW 64.90.640, as amended by 2026 c 194 effective 11 June 2026, the fee to prepare a resale certificate may not exceed $275, an update within six months may not exceed $100, and no additional charge may be made for electronic delivery.

Please reissue the invoice within the cap, or tell me in writing which statute or governing document provision you rely on for each amount above it. RCW 64.90.640 provides an enforcement action over fees, with attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. I would prefer to settle this by correspondence.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

4. Request for the leasing rules and what they rely on

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name], c/o [manager], [address or email]

Re: Leasing restrictions, [unit address and number]

Please send me (1) every rule currently in force that restricts leasing, with its adoption date; and (2) for each rule, the provision of the declaration it implements, or the mortgage lender requirement it is adopted to meet.

Under RCW 64.90.510(10), a rule may restrict leasing only to meet the requirements of mortgage lenders or to implement the declaration. A general rental cap must be in the declaration itself.

If any leasing rule does not rest on one of those two grounds, please tell me whether the board will withdraw it.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

5. EV charging station application

[Date]

[Association name], c/o [manager or architectural committee], [address or email]

Re: Application to install an electric vehicle charging station, [unit address and number]

I apply to install an electric vehicle charging station for personal use in [my unit / my designated parking space number]. Enclosed are [the electrician's plan, the permit application, the equipment specification, proof of insurance].

I will pay for installation, maintenance and insurance, as RCW 64.90.513 provides. Under that section the association may not prohibit or unreasonably restrict the station, and an application not denied within 60 days is deemed approved.

Please confirm the date this application was received, and tell me promptly if you need anything further.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

6. Heat pump installation notice

[Date]

[Association name], c/o [manager or architectural committee], [address or email]

Re: Heat pump installation, [unit address and number]

I intend to install a heat pump within the boundaries of my unit, as follows: [description of equipment and location]. Details from my contractor are enclosed.

Under RCW 64.90.580 the association may not unreasonably restrict the installation of a heat pump within the boundaries of a unit. I understand I am responsible for maintaining it.

[If any part will sit outside the unit boundary: Separately, I apply for approval to place [the outdoor unit] at [location], under the declaration's alteration procedure.]

Please tell me within [number] days if the association has any reasonable conditions.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

7. Request to remove an unlawful discriminatory restriction

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name], c/o [manager], [address or email]

Re: Request under RCW 64.90.511

I am the owner of [unit address and number]. The [declaration / covenants] recorded under [recording number], at [page and paragraph], contains a restriction that [describe it, for example: limits ownership or occupancy by race].

Under RCW 64.90.511, I request that the board remove this unlawful discriminatory restriction. I understand the board has 90 days to decide this request and 90 days to amend the governing documents, and that no owner vote is required.

Please confirm receipt and tell me when the board will consider it.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

8. Objection to an unrelated-occupant limit

[Date]

Board of Directors, [association name], c/o [manager], [address or email]

Re: Notice dated [date] concerning occupants of [unit address and number]

Your notice relies on [the covenant or rule] limiting the number of unrelated persons who may occupy a unit.

Under RCW 64.90.575, an association may not limit the number of unrelated people who occupy a unit. The section permits limits on short-term rentals, building-code occupant loads and general health and safety standards. None of those is the basis of your notice.

Please withdraw the notice and any fine in writing, and confirm the association will not enforce this limit. If you rely on a building-code occupant load or a health and safety standard instead, please identify it.

[Name, mailing address, telephone, email]

The series

The Washington HOA & Condo Handbook

Cover of The 2028 Deadline.
Book One

The 2028 Deadline.

Which law governs your Washington HOA or condo today? Almost nobody can answer that correctly. This book does.

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Cover of You Can't Waive It.
Book 2

You Can't Waive It.

Your board votes every year to waive the reserve study. The word "waive" does not appear anywhere in the Washington statute.

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Cover of Silence Means Yes.
Book 3

Silence Means Yes.

In a Washington association of 120 homes, a new budget passes unless 61 owners vote no. Sixty is not enough. Owners who stay home have voted yes.

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Cover of Before They Foreclose.
Book Four

Before They Foreclose.

Your association says you owe money and mentions foreclosure. Washington law says it has to wait, and it cannot count fines to get there.

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Cover of The $275 Certificate.
Book 5

The $275 Certificate.

Until June 2026 there was no limit on what a Washington association could charge for a resale certificate. Now there is. Here is what else changed for buyers, sellers and owners.

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