Seattle, WA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (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.
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?
How much notice is required before an HOA assessment lien?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle assessment & dues.