San Diego, CA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Max Annual Increase
- 20% without member vote
- Special Assessment Threshold
- 5% of gross budget
- Lien Notice
- 30 days certified mail
- Foreclosure Threshold
- $1,800 or 12 months
Summary
California Civil Code Sections 5600-5740 govern HOA assessments. Regular assessments cannot increase more than 20% annually without member approval. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the budgeted gross expenses require member vote. The association may record a lien for delinquent assessments after required notices.
(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. (b) Notwithstanding more restrictive limitations placed on the board by the governing documents, the board may not impose a regular assessment that is more than 20 percent greater than the regular assessment for the association's preceding fiscal year or impose special assessments which in the aggregate exceed 5 percent of the budgeted gross expenses of the association for that fiscal year without 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 California Civil Code Section 5605, the board may not impose a regular assessment increase greater than 20% above the preceding fiscal year's assessment without approval of a majority of a quorum of members at a meeting or election. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the budgeted gross expenses for that fiscal year also require member approval. Before recording a lien for delinquent assessments, the association must follow the notice procedures in Section 5660: a written demand for payment sent by certified mail at least 30 days before recording the lien, a board decision to record the lien in an open meeting with at least 10 days notice to the owner, and recording of the lien in the county recorder's office.
Foreclosure of an assessment lien requires the delinquency to exceed $1,800 or be more than 12 months delinquent under Section 5720. The association must offer a payment plan (minimum 12 months) before initiating foreclosure proceedings. Small claims court may be used for delinquencies up to $12,500.
Violations & Fines
Delinquent assessments accrue interest at up to 12% per annum plus reasonable collection costs. The association may suspend common area privileges. Judicial foreclosure is available for debts exceeding $1,800 or 12 months delinquent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my San Diego HOA increase assessments?
Can my HOA foreclose for unpaid assessments?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle assessment & dues.