JeffB21 (Washington)
Posts: 22
Posts: 22
Posted:
Say it ain't so!
Effective 1/1/2026 a new law takes effect in WA state that affects HOAs.
During the 2025 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature enacted SB 5686,
which introduces new requirements for how homeowner associations must communicate
with owners (members) regarding late payments. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and
mandates that a specific, strongly worded form letter be sent to any homeowner whose
assessment payment is late.
For those members who've opted to receive communications electronically, this new law
overrides that preference. We must mail the notice to your physical property
address, any other mailing addresses, and all email addresses on file.
I've read the bill and it references amendments to WRC 64.38 and to 64.90. Because our formation
date was in 1996, until 1/1/1/2028 we're still "under" WRC 64.38.
We're a very small HOA with fewer than 55 members with annual member dues of less than $550. For us, this bill is
a solution looking for a problem and will cost us time and money. Every year we have a few delinquents that are resolved quickly and without
calling out the National Guard!
I'm hoping that our HOA size continues to matter like it does in various instances in 64.38. However, I didn't find any exemptions
in the bill.
BTW: Our CC&Rs do "talk to" liens so this law appears to apply to us.
I'm hoping that this is put on hold like the BOI requirement was for HOAs.
Anyone know if there are exemptions for small HOAs or if there's a "push" to shelve this law as happened with the BOI requirement?
Thanks
Effective 1/1/2026 a new law takes effect in WA state that affects HOAs.
During the 2025 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature enacted SB 5686,
which introduces new requirements for how homeowner associations must communicate
with owners (members) regarding late payments. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and
mandates that a specific, strongly worded form letter be sent to any homeowner whose
assessment payment is late.
For those members who've opted to receive communications electronically, this new law
overrides that preference. We must mail the notice to your physical property
address, any other mailing addresses, and all email addresses on file.
I've read the bill and it references amendments to WRC 64.38 and to 64.90. Because our formation
date was in 1996, until 1/1/1/2028 we're still "under" WRC 64.38.
We're a very small HOA with fewer than 55 members with annual member dues of less than $550. For us, this bill is
a solution looking for a problem and will cost us time and money. Every year we have a few delinquents that are resolved quickly and without
calling out the National Guard!
I'm hoping that our HOA size continues to matter like it does in various instances in 64.38. However, I didn't find any exemptions
in the bill.
BTW: Our CC&Rs do "talk to" liens so this law appears to apply to us.
I'm hoping that this is put on hold like the BOI requirement was for HOAs.
Anyone know if there are exemptions for small HOAs or if there's a "push" to shelve this law as happened with the BOI requirement?
Thanks