San Francisco, CA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Budget Notice
- 30-45 days before fiscal year
- Special Assessment Vote
- Required if >5% of budget
- Lien Notice
- 30 days before recording
- Late Fee Cap
- 10% or $10 (greater of)
- Interest Cap
- 12% per year
Summary
California HOAs must follow strict assessment rules under the Davis-Stirling Act. Regular assessments require annual budget approval. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the budget need membership approval. The HOA must provide a 30-day notice before recording an assessment lien.
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. (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 preceding fiscal year or impose special assessments which in the aggregate exceed 5 percent of the budgeted gross expenses, without the approval of a majority of a quorum of members.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under the Davis-Stirling Act, San Francisco HOAs must adopt an annual budget and distribute it to all members 30-45 days before the fiscal year begins (Civil Code 5300). Regular assessments are based on this budget. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the current fiscal year budget require approval by a majority of the membership (Civil Code 5605). Emergency special assessments (for immediate health/safety threats, court orders, or mandatory legal obligations) may be imposed by the board without a vote but are limited to specific conditions. Before recording a lien for unpaid assessments, the HOA must provide written notice at least 30 days before and offer the owner the right to request dispute resolution (Civil Code 5660). The HOA must also offer a payment plan to owners who fall behind. Late fees cannot exceed 10% of the delinquent amount or $10, whichever is greater (Civil Code 5650). Interest on delinquent assessments cannot exceed 12% per year.
Violations & Fines
Delinquent assessments may result in liens, late fees (capped at 10% or $10), interest up to 12% annually, and eventual foreclosure. The HOA must follow strict procedural requirements before foreclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA raise assessments without a vote?
What happens if I don't pay HOA assessments?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California hoa rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.