Default rule and exceptions
RCW 64.90.440(1): except as the declaration, subsections (2)/(4), or RCW 64.90.470(8) provide, the association maintains/repairs/replaces the common elements INCLUDING limited common elements, and each owner does so for the unit. Notably the board may designate high-risk components an owner must maintain, and if the owner fails, the association may do the work at the owner's expense (64.90.440(2)).
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Maintain, repair and replace the unit; give the association access through the unit and LCEs (notice except emergencies). May be assigned specific high-risk-component maintenance by board rule. |
| City / public agency | The association maintains, repairs and replaces all common elements, including limited common elements. |
| Exceptions | The declaration may reallocate; Casualty repairs under RCW 64.90.470(8); Board may shift designated high-risk components to owners (64.90.440(2)) |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 14, 2026.
Except to the extent provided by the declaration, subsections (2) and (4) of this section, or RCW 64.90.470(8), the association must maintain, repair, and replace the common elements, including limited common elements, and each unit owner must maintain, repair, and replace that owner's unit.
The board may by rule designate physical components of the property for which a unit owner is otherwise responsible that present a heightened risk of damage or harm to persons or property if the physical components fail. ... to perform such maintenance, repair, replacement, or measure at the expense of that unit owner.
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Common questions
Who pays for hoa / condo common elements in Statewide, WA?
Responsibility is shared. Maintain, repair and replace the unit; give the association access through the unit and LCEs (notice except emergencies). May be assigned specific high-risk-component maintenance by board rule.
Are there exceptions in Statewide, WA?
The declaration may reallocate; Casualty repairs under RCW 64.90.470(8); Board may shift designated high-risk components to owners (64.90.440(2))
What is this based on for Statewide, WA?
This verdict is sourced to RCW 64.90.440: Maintenance, repair, replacement and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- RCW 64.90.440: Maintenance, repair, replacementstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-13
- RCW 64.90 chapter listingstatute · research-cited · accessed 2026-09-11
- RCW 64.90.440(2): Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement of the Common Interest Communitystatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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