When you buy into a homeowners association (HOA), you expect to pay regular dues that cover community upkeep, amenities, and shared expenses. But for many homeowners, the real shock comes later: the dreaded special assessment.
Unlike regular dues, special assessments are extra charges imposed by the board, often running into thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars. They can hit without warning and leave families scrambling to cover costs.
Understanding the most common types of HOA special assessments can help you protect yourself financially and ensure your board isn’t taking advantage of homeowners.
What Is a Special Assessment?
A special assessment is a one-time (or temporary) fee charged by your HOA, usually when reserve funds are insufficient to cover unexpected or large expenses.
While assessments can sometimes be legitimate, many boards misuse them, passing financial burdens onto homeowners because of poor planning, lack of transparency, or even mismanagement.
The Most Common HOA Special Assessments
1. Roof Repairs and Replacements
Roofing is one of the biggest and most expensive line items in HOA communities. When reserve funds aren’t managed properly, boards often impose large assessments to cover major repairs or replacements.
Homeowners are frequently asked to pay thousands, even if the board failed to budget for predictable roof lifespans.
2. Balcony and Deck Repairs
In states like California, laws such as SB 326 (Balcony Inspection Bill) require inspections and repairs to balconies, decks, and other elevated structures. While safety is important, many HOAs have used this as an excuse to levy massive assessments.
We’ve seen assessments in the millions, often rushed through without proper homeowner input.
3. Plumbing and Sewer Issues
Old plumbing systems and shared sewer lines can result in costly surprises. Instead of maintaining reserves, boards often wait until disaster strikes, then hit homeowners with a hefty assessment to cover emergency fixes.
4. Paving and Asphalt Resurfacing
Roads, driveways, and parking lots eventually wear out. Resurfacing and repaving are predictable expenses, yet many HOAs fail to plan ahead. Homeowners are then blindsided with “urgent” assessments for work that should have been budgeted years earlier.
5. Elevator Modernization
For condo buildings, elevator repairs and modernization are notoriously expensive. When boards fail to set aside reserves, assessments can soar into five-figure costs per unit.
6. Clubhouse, Pool, and Amenity Renovations
While not always essential, boards often approve costly amenity upgrades, new gyms, pool resurfacing, or clubhouse remodels. These projects, sometimes driven more by board preference than community need, are frequently funded through assessments.
7. Emergency Repairs After Natural Disasters
Wildfires, floods, and earthquakes can cause sudden damage. Insurance often doesn’t cover everything, and boards may impose assessments to bridge the gap. Unfortunately, many fail to pursue claims aggressively or maintain proper insurance, leaving homeowners footing the bill.
Why Are Special Assessments So Common?
Most special assessments aren’t the result of true emergencies—they’re the result of:
- Poor reserve planning: Boards don’t save enough to cover predictable expenses.
- Mismanagement: Funds are misused or spent on pet projects.
- Lack of transparency: Homeowners aren’t given clear financial reporting.
- Overreach: Boards choose upgrades that benefit a few instead of the whole community.
The Hidden Costs of Special Assessments
Beyond the financial strain, special assessments create:
- Stress for families and retirees living on fixed incomes.
- Lower property values, as prospective buyers avoid communities with unstable finances.
- Distrust between homeowners and their boards.
Real Results: Homeowners Who Said “No”
Recently, one HOA tried to impose a $4.2 million special assessment for balcony repairs. Instead of rolling over, homeowners organized, demanded accountability, and ultimately recalled the entire board, without hiring an attorney. The assessment was stopped, and homeowners regained control of their community.
This shows that you’re not powerless. You can fight back.
How We Help Homeowners Win
At HOA Victory Kit, we empower homeowners to:
- Stop unfair assessments.
- Demand financial transparency.
- Recall boards that abuse their power.
- Protect their community, without the cost of litigation.
Click Here to discover the HOA Victory Kit and see how you can defend your home, your wallet, and your community.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal assistance, consult with a qualified attorney.
Final Thoughts
Special assessments are one of the most painful parts of HOA life. While some are unavoidable, most result from poor planning, financial abuse, or a lack of accountability.
By understanding the most common types of assessments, staying informed, and uniting with your neighbors, you can protect yourself from unfair charges and hold your board accountable.
Because at the end of the day, your HOA doesn’t control you, you control your HOA.