Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Seattle, WA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Budget Notice
30 days before fiscal year start
Priority Lien
Up to 6 months unpaid assessments
Default Interest Rate
12% per year if not specified
Collection Costs
Reasonable attorney fees recoverable
Lien Notice
30 days written notice required

Summary

HOA assessments in Seattle are governed by WUCIOA (RCW 64.90). Associations must adopt an annual budget and may levy regular and special assessments. Special assessments require member approval unless the declaration provides otherwise. Assessment liens are priority liens for up to six months of unpaid assessments, taking priority over first mortgages.

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.

Source: RCW 64.90.485 - Lien for AssessmentsView official code

Full Breakdown

Under WUCIOA (RCW 64.90), the board must adopt a proposed annual budget at least 30 days before the beginning of the fiscal year and distribute it to all unit owners. The budget must include projected income and expenses, reserve fund contributions, and any planned special assessments. Regular assessments are allocated based on each unit's allocated interest as stated in the declaration. Special assessments for capital improvements or unforeseen expenses may require membership approval depending on the association's governing documents. WUCIOA provides a statutory lien for unpaid assessments, which is a priority lien for up to six months of unpaid assessments (RCW 64.90.485). This super-lien takes priority over first mortgages and other encumbrances. Associations must provide at least 30 days written notice before recording a lien. Interest on unpaid assessments accrues at the rate established in the declaration or, if none, at 12% per year. The association may also recover reasonable attorney fees in collection actions.

Violations & Fines

Failure to pay assessments results in a statutory lien against the unit. The association may charge late fees, interest, and reasonable collection costs including attorney fees. After proper notice, the association may foreclose the lien judicially. The priority lien for up to six months of assessments takes precedence over first mortgages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Seattle HOA place a lien on my home for unpaid dues?
Yes. Under RCW 64.90.485, the association has a statutory lien for unpaid assessments. Up to six months of unpaid assessments constitute a priority lien that takes precedence over first mortgages.
How much notice is required before an HOA assessment lien?
The association must provide at least 30 days written notice before recording an assessment lien against a unit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Seattle

All Seattle rules

Compare Seattle to another location·View the Washington hoa rules overview

Get notified when Assessment & Dues in Seattle, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities

How other cities in King County handle assessment & dues.

Renton, WA
Some Restrictions
Kirkland, WA
Heavy Restrictions
Kent, WA
Heavy Restrictions
Federal Way, WA
Heavy Restrictions