Los Angeles, CA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Max Increase
- 20% without member vote
- Special Assessment
- >5% budget needs vote
- Foreclosure Threshold
- $1,800 or 12 months
- Pre-Lien Notice
- 30 days certified mail
- Late Fee Cap
- 10% or $10, whichever greater
Summary
HOA assessments in Los Angeles are governed by the Davis-Stirling Act (Civil Code §§5600-5740). Regular assessment increases over 20% require member approval. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the annual budget require a member vote. Foreclosure for delinquent assessments cannot proceed unless the debt exceeds $1,800 or is 12+ months overdue. Partial payments must be applied to assessments before late fees or collection costs.
5605. (a) Annual increases in regular assessments for any fiscal year shall not be imposed unless the board has complied with paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of subdivision (b) of Section 5300 with respect to that fiscal year, or has obtained the approval of a majority of a quorum of members, pursuant to Section 4070, at a member meeting or election.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under the Davis-Stirling Act, regular HOA assessments can be increased by the board up to 20% above the prior year's assessment without a member vote (Civil Code §5605). Increases exceeding 20% require majority approval of the membership. Special assessments (one-time charges for unexpected expenses) that exceed 5% of the budgeted gross expenses for the current fiscal year also require member approval per Civil Code §5605. The association must distribute an annual budget report and pro forma operating budget at least 30-45 days before the fiscal year.
For delinquent assessments, the association must apply partial payments first to assessments, then to other charges: this prevents the debt from triggering foreclosure. Foreclosure (nonjudicial) cannot proceed unless the delinquent amount (exclusive of late fees, interest, attorney fees, and costs) exceeds $1,800 or the assessments are more than 12 months delinquent (Civil Code §5720). Before recording a lien, the association must send a pre-lien letter by certified mail giving the owner 30 days to pay (Civil Code §5660).
Violations & Fines
Late fees cannot exceed 10% of the delinquent assessment or $10, whichever is greater. Interest on delinquent assessments capped at 12% per year. Improper collection practices: association liable for actual damages and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my HOA raise dues without a vote in California?
Can my HOA foreclose on my home for unpaid dues?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle assessment & dues.