Somerville HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues Rules (2026)

Under MGL c.183A s.6, every Somerville condo unit owner must pay common expense assessments in proportion to the unit's undivided percentage interest as set in the Master Deed. Boards may levy regular assessments (typically monthly) and special assessments for unbudgeted expenses. Section 6(c) creates a powerful super-priority lien: up to six months of unpaid common expenses plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees take priority over a first mortgage. Associations must first give 60 days written notice to the delinquent owner and the first-mortgage holder before enforcing the super-lien. Assessments must be calculated based on the Master Deed's percentage interests, not per-unit or per-square-foot unless those were used in the original allocation. Owners who disagree with an assessment generally cannot withhold payment but can challenge it through dispute resolution or Land Court. Late fees, interest, and collection costs may accrue per the Declaration of Trust.