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Allegheny County, PA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Authority
68 Pa.C.S. §5314-5315
Lien
Automatic from due date
Priority
Below 1st mortgage/tax
SOL
6 years
Foreclosure
30-day notice

Summary

HOA assessments in Allegheny County governed by 68 Pa.C.S. §5314 (UPCA). Assessments are automatic liens on units from due date under §5315 without recording. HOAs may foreclose liens 30 days after delinquency notice. Six-year statute of limitations. Special assessments require procedures in declaration.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Allegheny County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 5314. Assessments for common expenses. (a) General rule.-- Until the association makes a common expense assessment, the declarant shall pay all the expenses of the planned community. After any assessment has been made by the association, assessments shall be made at least annually, based on a budget adopted at least annually by the association. The budgets of the association shall segregate limited common expenses from general common expenses if and to the extent appropriate. (b) Allocation and interest.-- Except for assessments under subsection (c), all common expenses shall be assessed against all the units in accordance with the common expense liability allocated to each unit in the case of general common expenses and in accordance with subsection (c) in the case of special allocation of expenses. Any past due assessment or installment thereof shall bear interest at the rate established by the association at not more than 15% per year. (c) Special allocations of expenses.-- Except as provided by the declaration: (1) Any common expense associated with the maintenance, repair or replacement of a limited common element shall be assessed in equal shares against the units to which that limited common element was assigned at the time the expense was incurred. (2) Any common expense benefiting fewer than all of the units shall be assessed exclusively against the units benefited. (3) The costs of insurance shall be assessed in proportion to risk, and the costs of utilities that are separately metered to each unit shall be assessed in proportion to usage. (4) If a common expense is caused by the negligence or misconduct of any unit owner, the association may assess that expense exclusively against his unit.

Source: 68 Pa.C.S. §5315View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Under 68 Pa.C.S. §5315, unpaid assessments constitute automatic statutory liens on units from the date due, with priority over all liens except first mortgages and tax liens. HOA may record lien notice but recording not required for lien validity. Foreclosure procedure follows PA mortgage foreclosure (Act 6 of 1974 requirements for owner-occupied). Late fees and interest permitted if authorized in declaration (typical: 10-18% annual interest, $25-$50 late fees). Attorney's fees recoverable under §5315(g). Six-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. §5527. Unit owner remains personally liable for assessments during ownership per §5315(b).

Violations & Fines

HOA improper collection (e.g., excessive fees, harassment): violation of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act possible if third-party collector; UPCA §5311 injunctive relief available to owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can HOA foreclose on my home for unpaid dues?
Yes, under 68 Pa.C.S. §5315 after 30 days delinquency notice. HOA lien is subordinate to first mortgage but superior to most other liens.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Allegheny County

All Allegheny County rules

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