Cincinnati HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues Rules (2026)

Under Ohio Revised Code 5312.06 for planned communities and ORC 5311.081 for condominiums, the owners association must adopt an annual budget and levy assessments to fund operations, maintenance, insurance, and reserves. The method of allocating assessments among unit owners, whether equal share, by square footage, or another formula, must follow the recorded declaration. Regular assessments cover common expenses such as landscaping, snow removal, insurance, management fees, and common area maintenance. Special assessments for unexpected repairs or capital improvements may be levied by the board, subject to any owner approval threshold in the bylaws. The reserve fund must receive at least 10 percent of the annual budget unless owners vote each year to waive or reduce the requirement. Boards cannot divert reserve funds to operating expenses without owner approval. Assessments become a lien on the unit when due and unpaid. Under ORC 5312.08 and 5311.18, the association may file a lien, charge late fees and interest as allowed by the declaration, and ultimately foreclose on the lien. The association must provide an itemized budget to owners before or at the annual meeting. Owners have the right to inspect financial records including bank statements, invoices, and contracts during reasonable business hours.