WUCIOA: How to Comply and What Happens If You Don’t

By now, you know what WUCIOA is and when it kicks in. But many boards are still asking:

“What exactly do we need to do differently?”
“And what happens if we don’t?”

This post answers those questions—and gives your HOA or condo board the concrete actions needed to stay compliant (and out of trouble) before 2026 and 2028.

What WUCIOA Requires in Practice

Here’s what implementation actually looks like for most boards in 2024 and beyond:

✅ Meeting notices must go out to all owners via physical or electronic delivery, with enough lead time (typically 14+ days)

✅ Owner participation is required in budget ratification meetings and rule changes

✅ Reserve studies must be conducted every 3 years, with updates in between

✅ Board powers are limited in spending and rule enforcement without due process

✅ Association documents must be available for inspection upon owner request

If you’ve been doing some of this, you’re ahead. If not—AmLo can help you catch up.

How to Run a Compliant Board Meeting

A WUCIOA-compliant board meeting includes:

  • Advance notice (by mail or electronic delivery) to all owners

  • An owner comment period (on budget, rules, or agenda items)

  • Distribution of key documents in advance (budget, rule drafts, etc.)

  • Clear meeting minutes with decisions documented

  • Executive sessions (for legal, enforcement, personnel matters) properly separated

Common mistake: Boards “discuss everything in email” or conduct votes outside meetings. Under WUCIOA, that’s no longer acceptable.

AmLo’s managers help boards prepare and run fully compliant meetings, so you don’t risk exposure.

Reserve Studies: What’s Now Mandatory

Under RCW 64.90.545 (WUCIOA):

  • Every HOA/COA must complete a full reserve study every 3 years

  • Annual updates are required in the off years

  • Reserve disclosures must be included with the budget to owners

  • You must disclose whether the association is funding reserves fully, partially, or not at all

Boards that skip this step risk:

  • Declining property values

  • Emergency special assessments

  • Legal claims for failure to maintain common areas

AmLo coordinates reserve studies with professional firms and ensures you meet state requirements without surprise costs or miscommunication.

Electronic Notices, Rules, and Voting

WUCIOA allows for digital transformation—but only if done correctly.

Boards can:

  • Send meeting notices via email (with owner consent)

  • Allow owners to vote electronically

  • Post rules or documents to a secure portal

Boards can’t:

  • Use email for final votes unless bylaws and WUCIOA procedures are followed

  • Enforce rules that were not adopted through a transparent and open process

  • Deny access to records or budgets because “they’re online somewhere”

Pro tip: Update your bylaws to formally allow electronic delivery and e-voting. AmLo will work with legal partners to help you modernize the right way.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply

Many boards assume “we’ll deal with it later”—but here’s what can go wrong:

Risks of Noncompliance

  • Owner lawsuits over improper meetings or assessments

  • Lender pushback or red flags during home sales

  • Loss of D&O insurance coverage for certain board actions

  • Regulatory scrutiny or public complaints

  • Special assessments from lack of reserve planning

Boards can even be held personally liable for acting outside their authority under WUCIOA.

AmLo Helps You Avoid Penalties and Build Confidence

At AmLo, we believe compliance should feel empowering—not overwhelming. We’re a local firm, built by HOA leaders who know the pressure boards are under.

We provide:

  • ✅ Full WUCIOA audits of your governance, finances, and communications

  • ✅ Reserve study planning, execution, and disclosure

  • ✅ Legally sound board meetings with clear agendas, notices, and minutes

  • ✅ Member education so owners feel included and informed

  • ✅ Partnership with attorneys to modernize your governing documents

Whether you manage a 25-unit townhome or a 250-unit master association, we’ll give you the support and clarity you need to meet the law—and run a community that thrives.

End of Series: Ready to Take Action?

This concludes our WUCIOA Series:

  1. What is WUCIOA and Who Does It Apply To?

  2. WUCIOA: Current State vs. Future State

  3. This post: WUCIOA Compliance in Action

Don’t wait for 2026 or 2028 to figure this out.

Contact AmLo Management and get your community on the right path.