San Bernardino, CA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)

Under Davis-Stirling Civil Code 5605, a board may impose an annual increase in regular assessments of no more than 20 percent over the prior fiscal year and a special assessment in a fiscal year no larger than 5 percent of the budgeted gross expenses, without a vote of the members. Anything larger requires membership approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum of members. The board must provide a pro forma operating budget to members between 30 and 90 days before the start of the fiscal year under Civil Code 5300 for the increase to be valid. Assessments must be paid on time, and a delinquent assessment becomes subject to late fees up to 10 percent or 10 dollars, whichever is greater, and interest up to 12 percent per year under Civil Code 5650. Before the association can lien or foreclose, it must send a pre-lien letter with a payment plan option, and foreclosure is limited by Civil Code 5720 to assessments of at least 1,800 dollars or more than 12 months delinquent. Payments must be applied first to assessments under Civil Code 5655, then to collection costs and fees, which protects owners who want to pay principal and fight disputed charges. Internal dispute resolution must be offered before lien or legal action.