Santa Clara, CA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Increase cap
- 20% regular, 5% special
- Budget disclosure
- 30-90 days pre-year
- Delinquency interest
- After 30 days
- Lien
- Civil Code 5675 notice
- Foreclosure threshold
- $1,800 or 12 months
Summary
Santa Clara HOAs follow Davis-Stirling assessment rules (Civil Code 5600+), including annual budget disclosures, limits on assessment increases without member approval, and lien procedures for delinquencies.
(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. (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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code sections 5600 through 5740 govern HOA assessments in Santa Clara. Regular assessments may be imposed only in amounts necessary for the associations obligations, and boards cannot raise regular assessments by more than 20% or impose special assessments exceeding 5% of the budgeted gross expenses in a fiscal year without member approval (Civil Code 5605). Annual budget and policy disclosures must be delivered to members 30 to 90 days before the fiscal year begins. Delinquent assessments accrue interest after 30 days and may lead to liens recorded under Civil Code 5675 after pre-lien notice and opportunity to dispute. Foreclosure on assessment liens is limited by Civil Code 5720 and generally requires the amount owed to exceed $1,800 or be 12 months delinquent. Payments must be applied to assessments first, then to late fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA raise dues by any amount?
When can an HOA foreclose for unpaid dues?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
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Assessment & Dues in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle assessment & dues.