Kent, WA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Statutes
- RCW 64.90 or 64.38
- Special Assessments
- Allowed with procedures
- Lien Super-Priority
- Six months under WUCIOA
- Foreclosure
- Allowed after notice
- Late Fees
- Per statute and CCRs
Summary
Kent HOAs may levy regular and special assessments under RCW 64.90 or 64.38. Unpaid assessments become liens and may be foreclosed after notice and opportunity to cure.
RCW 64.90.485 Liens — Enforcement — Notice of delinquency — Second notice.
(1) The association has a statutory lien on each unit for any unpaid assessment against the unit from the time such assessment is due.
(2) A lien under this section has priority over all other liens and encumbrances on a unit except:
(a) Liens and encumbrances recorded before the recordation of the declaration and, in a cooperative, liens and encumbrances that the association creates, assumes, or takes subject to;
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, a security interest on the unit recorded before the date on which the unpaid assessment became due or, in a cooperative, a security interest encumbering only the unit owner's interest and perfected before the date on which the unpaid assessment became due; and
(c) Liens for real estate taxes and other state or local governmental assessments or charges against the unit or cooperative. (3)(a) A lien under this section also has priority over the security interests described in subsection (2)(b) of this section to the extent of an amount equal to the following:
(i) The common expense assessments, excluding any amounts for capital improvements, based on the periodic budget adopted by the association pursuant to RCW 64.90.480 (1), which would have become due in the absence of acceleration during the six months immediately preceding the institution of proceedings to foreclose either the association's lien or a security interest described in subsection (2)(b) of this section;
(ii) The association's actual costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in foreclosing its lien but incurred after the giving of the notice described in (a)(iii) of this subsection; provided, however, that the costs and reasonable attorneys' fees that will have priority under this subsection (3)(a)(ii) shall not exceed $2,000 or an amount equal to the amounts described in (a)(i) of this subsection, whichever is less.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) and the older RCW 64.38, Kent homeowner associations have statutory authority to levy regular assessments to fund operations and reserves, and special assessments for capital projects or shortfalls. Budgets must be adopted and ratified according to the governing documents, with owner ratification required under WUCIOA in many cases. Delinquent assessments accrue interest and late fees as allowed by statute and CCRs, and associations can record liens against the unit. Lien priority under RCW 64.90 gives HOAs a limited super-priority for six months of delinquent assessments ahead of first mortgages. Foreclosure of assessment liens is permitted after proper notice and statutory cure periods.
Violations & Fines
Owners who fail to pay assessments face lien recording, late fees, and potential foreclosure. HOAs that fail to follow statutory procedures can have assessments invalidated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Kent HOA foreclose for unpaid dues?
What is lien super-priority?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle assessment & dues.