Assessment & Dues: Burlington vs Somerville
How do assessment & dues rules compare between Burlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Burlington and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
Under MGL c.183A s.6, condo assessments are a lien on the unit with super-lien priority for up to six months of common expenses over first mortgages.
View full Burlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville condo assessments are levied under MGL c.183A s.6 per unit percentage interest, and unpaid amounts become a priority lien under s.6(c) senior to most mortgages for 6 months.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | MGL c.183A s.6 | - |
| Super-lien | Up to 6 months priority | - |
| Share basis | Percentage interest | - |
| Special assessments | Bylaw-governed | - |
| Collection venue | Housing or Superior Court | - |
| Governing Statute | - | MGL c.183A s.6 |
| Allocation | - | Per percentage interest |
| Super Lien | - | 6 months priority over mortgage |
| Notice | - | 60 days before super-lien |
| Contact | - | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
Can my condo foreclose over unpaid fees?
Yes. MGL c.183A s.6 allows the association to foreclose on its lien for unpaid common expenses.
Do fees survive foreclosure?
Up to six months of unpaid common expenses have priority over the first mortgage.
Somerville FAQ
Can my Somerville condo impose a special assessment?
Yes, if the bylaws authorize it. Most bylaws allow the board to assess needed capital improvements or emergency repairs, sometimes requiring owner approval above a threshold.
What happens if I do not pay my condo fees?
The association can file a super-lien for up to 6 months of fees plus costs that takes priority over your mortgage, then foreclose if unpaid.
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