Assessments & Dues
How Much Can My HOA Raise Dues?
By The HOARebel Team · May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Assessment increases are a perennial source of friction, and how much an HOA can raise dues depends on two things: your governing documents and your state's law. This is general information about how those interact, not legal advice.
Some states cap increases without a member vote
A number of states limit how far a board can raise regular assessments on its own — beyond a threshold, the membership has to approve. California's Davis-Stirling Act is a well-known example. Under Civil Code §5605:
"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 …" — §5605(b), Cal. Civ. Code
So in California, a regular-assessment jump above 20%, or special assessments above the 5% aggregate, generally requires a member vote.
Other states rely on the governing documents
Many states don't set a statutory percentage cap. There, the limits come from the declaration and bylaws — which may set their own ceilings, notice requirements, or member-approval thresholds for increases. In those communities, the documents, plus the board's duty to budget in good faith, are the main guardrails.
Process protections usually apply either way
Even where a board can raise dues, it generally must follow process: adopting a budget, giving members notice, and acting at a properly noticed meeting. Skipping required notice or approval steps can make an increase vulnerable regardless of the amount.
The bigger picture
So "how much can my HOA raise dues?" depends on whether your state caps increases (like California's §5605) or leaves it to your documents, and on whether the board followed the required budget-and-notice process. Those are fact-specific questions, and a licensed attorney in your state — or a close read of your declaration — is the appropriate resource.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a legal limit on how much my HOA can raise dues?
In some states, yes. California's §5605, for instance, generally bars regular-assessment increases over 20% (or special assessments over a 5% aggregate) without member approval. Many other states have no statutory cap and rely on the governing documents.
Can the board raise dues without telling members?
Generally no. Boards typically must adopt a budget and provide notice, and act at a properly noticed meeting. The exact requirements come from your state's statute and your documents.
What can I do about an increase I think is improper?
The options depend on whether a cap applies, what the documents require, and whether the process was followed. A licensed attorney in your state is the appropriate resource for a specific situation.