Owner Association Management in 2025 and Beyond: What Owners Need to Know in a Shifting Landscape

HOA communities are at a pivotal moment, facing an unprecedented need for adaptation and innovation, all while facing limited financial and human resources. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration and a forward-thinking mindset to make the evolution the Owner Association market is facing.  

Over the past five years, we have navigated the global pandemic and witnessed the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in South Florida. We are preparing for significant legislative changes affecting Owner Associations in Washington state. These events have heightened financial pressures on Associations and increased the demand for accountability and effective resource management. 

As we enter 2025, it is essential to acknowledge the lasting impact of these events on our lives and communities. By setting clear goals and building strong teams, we can confidently address the evolving needs of the future. After all, “This isn’t your mama’s HOA.” 

The Pandemic and Its Aftermath

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed how we live, work, and interact with one another. Remote work became the norm, Zoom meetings replaced in-person gatherings, and online shopping surged. For shared-use buildings, these changes brought unique challenges: increased internet usage, higher water consumption, more package deliveries (and waste), and fewer opportunities for neighbors to connect in meaningful ways. These shifts strained building resources and disrupted the sense of community many Associations work so hard to maintain. 

Social dynamics have shifted. Patience has worn thin, and expectations for seamless communication and immediate action have soared. While COVID-19 didn’t create these changes, it amplified them, forcing Associations to adapt to new demands. Missed expectations can quickly escalate into conflict, leaving Boards and Managers scrambling to fill the gaps.

Unlike corporations, which often have the flexibility and resources to pivot quickly, Associations face unique challenges. Limited resources and rigid structures make it difficult to evolve effectively, leaving many struggling to meet the growing demands of their communities.

Lessons from the Champlain Towers Collapse

The tragic collapse of Champlain Towers in Miami on June 24, 2021, was a wake-up call for the entire condominium industry. The disaster, which claimed 98 lives and left many homeless, highlighted severe issues of accountability and building maintenance. The repercussions included lawsuits, finger-pointing, and heightened scrutiny of condominium management and maintenance practices.  The burden of increased accountability has fallen on insurance and mortgage companies. Condominium insurance premiums have skyrocketed, with Associations seeing 30-300% increases. For a building's master insurance policy, this could mean finding an additional $100,000 or more to meet rising costs. Meanwhile, mortgage providers like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have tightened their requirements, reducing the pool of eligible buyers and stressing the condo market. 

Washington’s Legislative Changes: WUCIOA for All

Significant legislative changes are coming to Washington state with implementing the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) for all associations on January 1, 2028. Initially enacted in 2018 for homes and condominiums built after July 1 of that year, WUCIOA will now apply to all Owner Associations in the state, unifying the legal framework governing them and eliminating confusion over multiple statutes based on an Association's formation date. 

While this change brings consistency and encourages greater owner involvement, it also presents challenges. Associations must effectively communicate these changes to owners, update governing documents, and ensure compliance, which will incur additional time and costs beyond the usual operating expenses. The success of WUCIOA’s implementation will depend on clear communication and realistic planning. 

Moving Forward in 2025

So, where does this leave today’s condo owners? The last five years have forced the owner association market to react. To succeed in 2025 and beyond, collaboration, transparency, and proactive planning will be key. Whether understanding the fiscal impact of global events or preparing for regulatory shifts, 2025 offers a chance to embrace change and move forward with purpose. As your team faces increased demands, remember that growth is essential when bandwidth begins to stretch. 

Partnering with Building Bloc NW

I once had a captain who mentored me through some management challenges. He used the metaphor of a storm at sea to describe change: the winds shift direction, and things feel chaotic, but eventually, the storm settles, and the changes become the new normal. However, it makes me seasick when I think about how this applies to Owner Associations. Boards change, Managers change, and sometimes even Management Companies turn over. That constant churn makes it hard to maintain momentum and keep expertise in place. 

The last few years have been especially tough for Associations. Due to COVID-19 and the June 2021 events in South Florida, there's been so much pressure to tackle everything at once, on top of homeowners' usual requests and priorities. It can feel overwhelming, and the understanding and focus needed to manage these complexities can get lost in the shuffle. 

That’s why I started Building Bloc NW—to work as a contract Association Manager or Coordinator with the experience and credentials of an Association Manager, as the “tag-in” Manager who steps in when an Association’s Manager or Board needs extra support to drive a result. Whether for a specific project or a short-term need, my goal is to help Associations reach their goals and stay on course. Building Bloc NW is here to be part of your journey, for a reason or a season, to help you navigate the chaos and get back on track.