Updated Collection Policy: What you need to know!
Dear Klahanie Neighbors,
The Board of Directors has adopted an updated Collection Policy, which takes effect on December 1, 2026. It replaces the policy that has been in place since 2008. We want to share what is changing and why, in plain terms.
Why the update?
Washington State has updated its laws on how homeowners associations handle late assessments. The new rules focus on giving homeowners clear notice, enough time, and access to resources before any serious steps are taken. Our 2008 policy no longer matched those requirements, so the Board updated it to follow current law.
If you pay your quarterly assessments on time, nothing changes for you.
What's changing
More notice before anything happens
If an assessment goes unpaid, you will receive a written notice within 30 days. That notice explains your balance, the next steps, and where to find free housing counseling resources. You will receive a second notice before an account can move to further action. State law requires both notices.
A 15-day window to respond
After the first notice, there is a 15-day period before any further collection steps or charges begin. This gives homeowners time to catch up or reach out to us.
Late fees
The first late fee will be $50 or 5% of the unpaid assessment, whichever is less, as set by state law. After the required notices, a $50 monthly late fee may apply until the account is brought current. The old policy charged $25 per month.
Interest
Interest of 12% per year may be added to overdue balances, starting 15 days after the first notice. This is within the limit state law allows.
Referral to the Association's attorney
An account that is 90 days past due may be referred to the Association's attorney. From that point on, all questions, payments, and payment plan requests will go through the attorney's office. Collection costs, including attorney fees, become the homeowner's responsibility.
Payment plans
The Board will review payment plan requests case by case.
Amenity access
The new policy no longer automatically suspends access to the pools, courts, and other amenities for past-due accounts.
Voting
The Association may limit voting rights on past-due accounts until they are paid in full. Under the old policy this happened automatically.
How you'll receive the policy
A full copy of the updated policy will be mailed to every homeowner before November 1, 2026. You are also welcome to request a copy from the community office at any time.
We're here to help
We know that unexpected things happen. If you are having trouble keeping up with your assessments, please contact the office as early as possible. The sooner we hear from you, the more options we have to help.
Thank you for being part of this community and for helping keep Klahanie a wonderful place to live.
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