Washington, DC HOA Rules: HOA Fines & Enforcement (2026)

C. 08(a) lists the powers a unit owners' association holds unless the condominium instruments expressly cut them back. Paragraph (11) is the fine authority itself: the association can impose a late charge on an unpaid assessment and, only "after notice and an opportunity to be heard," levy a reasonable fine for a rule or instrument violation. Paragraph (12) lets the association separately charge for preparing and recording a statement of unpaid assessment, so collection paperwork carries its own fee on top of any fine. 13(a): any assessment, along with applicable interest, late fees, legal fees actually incurred, and costs of collection, becomes a lien on the unit from the time it becomes due.

That lien outranks most later encumbrances but sits behind a pre-declaration lien, a first mortgage or deed of trust recorded before the delinquency, and real estate tax liens. 12(e), an unpaid assessment becomes past due 15 days after its due date and then accrues interest at whichever is lower: 10% per year or the maximum rate District law allows on first mortgage loans at the time. 13(c)(4) requires 30 days' notice sent by certified mail to the unit owner, with a copy to the Mayor's designated agent, specifying the past-due amount and accrued interest or late charges as of the notice date. 13(c)(2), by tendering full payment of the past-due assessments plus any late charge, interest, and reasonable attorney's fees and collection costs.