Kirkland, WA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary statute
- RCW 64.90 WUCIOA
- Interest cap
- 12 percent per year
- Late fee
- About 10 percent typical
- Lien priority
- 6 months over mortgage
- Special assessment
- Member vote typical
Summary
Kirkland HOA dues, special assessments, and collection procedures follow RCW 64.90, which caps late fees and sets strict lien and foreclosure procedures.
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; [...] (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; [...] (22) An association may not commence an action to foreclose a lien on a unit under this section unless: (a) The unit owner, at the time the action is commenced, owes at least a sum equal to the greater of: (i) Three months or more of assessments, not including fines, late charges, interest, attorneys' fees, or costs incurred by the association in connection with the collection of a delinquent owner's account; or (ii) $2,000 of assessments [...]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
38 (HOA Act) for older ones. 525, and special assessments for unbudgeted capital projects typically require majority member approval unless an emergency exists. 485 authorizes interest up to 12 percent per year and reasonable late charges generally limited to around 10 percent of the delinquent assessment. Delinquent assessments accrue as a continuing lien on the unit from the date due and may be foreclosed judicially after notice and opportunity to cure. 485, the association lien has priority over most subsequent mortgages for up to six months of regular assessments, giving the HOA significant leverage.
Before foreclosure the association must provide written notice of delinquency, an opportunity to enter a payment plan, and a pre-foreclosure demand letter. Owners may dispute charges through the board, and Washington consumer protection laws apply to debt collection activities by third-party collectors. Boards must apply payments first to assessments then to late fees and attorney costs unless the declaration provides otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA raise dues without member approval?
Can the HOA foreclose for unpaid dues?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle assessment & dues.