Cambridge, MA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- MGL c.183A s.6
- Super-Lien
- 6 months priority
- Allocation
- Per percentage interest
- Late Interest
- Typically 12-18%
- Foreclosure
- Available remedy
Summary
Massachusetts condos levy common expense assessments under MGL c.183A s.6, and unpaid fees create a super-lien that takes priority over most mortgages for up to 6 months of charges.
Section 6: Common profits and expenses; lien
Section 6. (a) (i) Except as provided in paragraph (ii), all common expenses shall be assessed against all units either in accordance with their respective percentages of undivided interest in the common areas and facilities or, if stated in the master deed or an amendment thereto duly recorded in the approximate relation that the area of the unit bears to the aggregate area of all the units, which may take into account unit location, amenities in the unit, and limited common areas and facilities benefiting the unit [...]. The organization of unit owners shall have a lien on a unit for any common expense assessment levied against that unit from the time the assessment becomes due. Common expense assessments must be made at least annually, based on a budget adopted at least annually in accordance with the master deed, trust, or by-laws.
(ii) If any expense is incurred by the organization of unit owners as a result of the unit owner's failure to abide by the requirements of this chapter or the requirements of the master deed, trust, by-laws, restrictions, rules or regulations, or by the misconduct of any unit owner, or his family members, tenants, or invitees, the organization of unit owners may assess that expense exclusively against the unit owner and such assessment shall constitute a lien against that unit from the time the assessment is due, and such assessment shall be enforceable as a common expense assessment under this chapter. [...]
(b) The unit owner shall be personally liable for all sums assessed for his share of the common expenses including late charges, fines, penalties, and interest assessed by the organization of unit owners and all costs of collection including attorneys' fees, costs, and charges.
(c) When any portion of the unit owner's share of the common expenses has been delinquent for at least sixty days subsequent to April 1, 1993, the organization of unit owners shall send a notice stating the amount of the delinquency to the unit owner by certified and first class mail.
Full Breakdown
Condominium associations in Cambridge adopt annual budgets and levy monthly common expense assessments allocated by each unit percentage interest set in the master deed. Special assessments for capital projects require trustee vote and sometimes owner approval under the bylaws. MGL c.183A section 6 creates a statutory lien for unpaid assessments, and the first 6 months of unpaid common expenses plus collection costs and attorney fees have priority over even first mortgages under the Massachusetts super-lien. Late fees and interest are typically 12 to 18 percent annually as set in bylaws. Associations can foreclose to collect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the super-lien?
Can the association foreclose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle assessment & dues.