The Current Framework: RCW 64.38
The Lakemoor Community Club (LCC) is currently governed under RCW 64.38, the Washington Homeowners' Association Act (WHAA). It regulates the management, powers, and duties of association boards, meetings, financial records, and homeowner rights. Since 2008 when the LCC Bylaws were adopted, the Washington State Legislature has made numerous changes to this section with potential implications for our existing LCC bylaws.
The New Law: WUCIOA (RCW 64.90)
The most significant change occurred in 2018, when the legislature passed the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) (RCW 64.90). This law created a unified legal framework for all Washington State common interest communities — condos, HOAs, and co-ops — and came with major regulatory changes.
During a ten-year transition period, WUCIOA applies only to new HOAs created after 2018, meaning that the LCC is still currently governed only by the old law and not yet the new.
Key Date
The WHAA is set to be repealed. On January 1, 2028, all common interest communities in Washington State — including the LCC — will be governed only by WUCIOA. The new law enhances requirements for governance, meetings, reserves, resale certificates, and other areas of HOA operations.
Why This Committee Exists
Due to this upcoming change, the Governance Committee is primarily focused on reviewing LCC governing documents in accordance with the shift in 2028 to WUCIOA. Where our bylaws, covenants, or founding articles conflict with or fall short of the new law, those provisions will need to be reconciled — either by the transition itself or through a formal restatement process.
Key Legislative Organizations
While many organizations and individuals have submitted public testimony on legislative bills concerning HOAs, two national organizations stand out. Both have highly active chapters in Washington State, and both were instrumental in shaping WUCIOA.
HOA United
A volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and advocating for homeowners in common interest communities across the United States. HOA United created the initial drafts of WUCIOA and championed its passage. Their membership is primarily composed of individual homeowners.
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
A nonprofit organization that provides education, resources, and advocacy for common interest communities, aiming to foster effective leadership, responsible citizenship, and high standards in community living. CAI regularly engages in legislative activity in Washington. Their membership consists primarily of association boards and management companies, but also includes individual homeowners and vendors.