RCW 64.90.485

Notes:

Governs assessment liens, late fees, and the collection process including foreclosure rights for unpaid assessments.

Status Active
Verified Apr 16, 2026
Source Official text
Statutory Text Verified Apr 19, 2026 · LEG_WA_GOV
(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; (iii) The amounts described in (a)(ii) of this subsection shall be prior only to the security interest of the holder of a security interest on the unit recorded before the date on which the unpaid assessment became due and only if the association has given that holder not less than 60 days' prior written notice that the owner of the unit is in default in payment of an assessment. The notice shall contain: (A) Name of the borrower; (B) Recording date of the trust deed or mortgage; (C) Recording information; (D) Name of common interest community, unit owner, and unit designation stated in the declaration or applicable supplemental declaration; (E) Amount of unpaid assessment; and (F) A statement that failure to, within 60 days of the written notice, submit the association payment of six months of assessments as described in (a)(i) of this subsection will result in the priority of the amounts described in (a)(ii) of this subsection; and (iv) Upon payment of the amounts described in (a)(i) and (ii) of this subsection by the holder of a security interest, the association's lien described in this subsection (3)(a) shall thereafter be fully subordinated to the lien of such holder's security …
Enforcement
Ref Requirement
(1) If you fall behind on HOA assessments, the association automatically has a lien on your unit from the date payment was due.
(10) Before your HOA can foreclose, they must meet with you to discuss alternatives. This mandatory mediation was expanded by SB 5686.
(3) Your HOA can charge late fees on unpaid assessments only if the governing documents allow it and the amount is reasonable.
(5) Your HOA cannot foreclose on your home for unpaid dues unless you owe at least 3 months of assessments or $2,000 in unpaid amounts.
(9) The HOA has 6 years to enforce an assessment lien. After that, the lien becomes unenforceable under the statute of limitations.
References
Referenced By
Articles Citing This Statute
Legal references last verified April 16, 2026. This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
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