RCW 64.90.580
—
WUCIOA provision establishing owner rights to install heat pumps. Associations may not prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of heat pumps, though reasonable safety and architectural standards remain permitted. Modeled on the EV charging station framework in RCW 64.90.513 and reflective of Washington's broader climate policy mandates phasing out gas appliances.
Reviewed · 11 dependent article updates in 12 months · Washington changes feed
Change History
1 verified change on record
SHB 2354 (Chapter 96, Laws of 2026) took away the governing documents' power to shift responsibility for a heat pump. RCW 64.90.580(7) now reads: "Without regard for when a heat pump was first put into service and the location of any components thereof, the unit owner and each successive owner of a heat pump exclusively serving the owner's unit is responsible for:" It previously began "Except as set forth in the governing documents and without regard." The act also struck RCW 64.90.580(7) from the provisions RCW 64.90.015(3) lets governing documents vary. Effective June 11, 2026.
Before
(7) Except as set forth in the governing documents and without regard for when a heat pump was first put into service and the location of any components thereof, the unit owner and each successive owner of a heat pump exclusively serving the owner's unit is responsible for: (a) Costs for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the heat pump up until the heat pump is removed; (b) Costs …
After
(7) Without regard for when a heat pump was first put into service and the location of any components thereof, the unit owner and each successive owner of a heat pump exclusively serving the owner's unit is responsible for: (a) Costs for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the heat pump up until the heat pump is removed; (b) Costs for damage to the heat pump, any unit, common …
Statutory Text
Verified Jul 17, 2026 · LEG_WA_GOV
(1)(a) A unit owners association may not adopt or enforce a restriction, covenant, condition, bylaw, rule, regulation, provision of a governing document, or master deed provision that: (i) Effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of a heat pump in compliance with the requirements of this section and for the personal use of a unit owner within the boundaries of a unit; or (ii) Is in conflict with the provisions of this section. (b) Nothing in this section prohibits an association from imposing reasonable restrictions on heat pumps. (c) This section must not be construed to permit installation by a unit owner of heat pump equipment on or in common elements without approval of the board which shall not be unreasonably withheld. (2) A unit owners association may require a unit owner to submit an application for approval for the installation of a heat pump before installing the heat pump. (3)(a) If approval is required for the installation of a heat pump, the application for approval must be processed and approved in the same manner as an application for approval of an architectural modification. (b) The approval or denial of an application must be in writing and must not be willfully avoided or delayed. (c) If an application is not denied in writing within 60 days from the date of receipt of the application, the application is deemed approved, unless that delay is the result of a reasonable request for additional information. (d) An association may not assess or charge a unit owner a fee for the installation of a heat pump. An association may charge a reasonable fee for processing the application to approve the installation of a heat pump, but only if such a fee exists for all applications for approval of architectural modifications. (4) If approval is required for the installation of a heat pump, a unit owners association must approve the installation if the installation is reasonably possible and the unit owner agrees in writing to: (a) Comply with the association's reasonable architectural standards applicable to the installation of the heat pump; (b) Engage a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor familiar with the standards for the installation of heat pumps to assess the existing infrastructure necessary to support the proposed heat pump, identify additional infrastructure needs, and install the heat pump; and (c) Comply with the requirements of this section. (5)(a) A unit owner must obtain any permit or approval for a heat pump as required by the local government in which the common interest community is located and comply with all relevant building codes and safety standards. (b) A heat pump must meet all applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by national, state, or local authorities, and all other applicable zoning, land use or other ordinances, building codes, or land use permits. (6)(a) Unless otherwise agreed to by written contract with the unit owners association, a unit owner is responsible for the costs of installing a heat pump. (b) …
Showing excerpt. Read full text on official source →
Governance
| Ref | Requirement |
|---|---|
| (1)(a) | Washington HOAs cannot ban heat pumps. Owners who want to replace gas furnaces or air conditioners with electric heat-pump systems inside their units have a statutory right to do so, subject to reasonable restrictions. Equipment placed on or in the common elements still needs board approval, which the board may not unreasonably withhold. |
| (1)(b) | HOAs CAN require professional installation, sound-rated equipment, screening from view, and placement that doesn't block walkways. What they cannot do is use those requirements to make installation effectively impossible. |
| (6)(a) | The owner pays to install a heat pump unless the association agrees otherwise in a written contract. |
| (7) | If a heat pump serves only your unit, its upkeep, repairs, damage, and removal are yours to pay for, and later owners inherit the duty. Since June 11, 2026, the governing documents cannot shift those costs to the association, even when parts of the heat pump sit on the roof or another common element. |
Other sections in this chapter
- RCW 64.90
- RCW 64.90.065 — Adjustment of dollar amounts
- RCW 64.90.365
- RCW 64.90.370 — Election of preexisting common interest communities, plat communities, miscellaneous communities
- RCW 64.90.410 — Board members, officers, and committees
- RCW 64.90.445 — Board Meetings — Notice and Conduct
- RCW 64.90.450 — Quorum
- RCW 64.90.455 — Unit owner voting
- RCW 64.90.470 — Insurance
- RCW 64.90.480
- RCW 64.90.485
- RCW 64.90.490 — Other liens
Articles Citing This Statute
Legal references last verified October 11, 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.