Free tool · California
Is my HOA fine valid in California?
In California, the Davis-Stirling Act requires advance written notice and a board hearing before discipline or a fine — and, since AB 130 (2025), caps most fines at $100.
This is general information, not legal advice, and it does not decide whether your fine is valid. For your specific situation, a licensed California attorney is the right resource.
Check your notice
Answer a few questions about the California fine or violation notice you received, and see how it compares to what the law requires.
What California law requires before an HOA can fine you
Governing framework: Davis-Stirling Act (Civil Code §§4000–6150).
Before imposing discipline or a monetary penalty, the board must notify the member in writing at least 10 days before the meeting.
“the board shall notify the member in writing, by either personal delivery or individual delivery pursuant to Section 4040, at least 10 days prior to the meeting.” — §5855(a), Cal. Civ. Code
Statute: §5855(a), Cal. Civ. Code
The notice must contain, at a minimum, the date, time, and place of the meeting, the nature of the alleged violation, and a statement that the member may attend and address the board.
“The notification shall contain, at a minimum, the date, time, and place of the meeting, the nature of the alleged violation for which a member may be disciplined … and a statement that the member has a right to attend and may address the board at the meeting.” — §5855(b), Cal. Civ. Code
Statute: §5855(b), Cal. Civ. Code
Discipline is decided at a board hearing (in executive session if the member requests), and the board must notify the member of its decision in writing within a short statutory period.
Statute: §5855, Cal. Civ. Code
Since June 30, 2025 (AB 130), an association generally may not fine more than $100 per violation — unless the violation may result in an adverse health or safety impact and the board makes a written finding to that effect — and may not charge late fees or interest on a fine.
Statute: §5850, §5855, Cal. Civ. Code (AB 130, 2025)
Timing the California statute sets
HOA disputes often turn on short statutory windows — these are worth knowing early.
At least 10 days’ advance written notice before the meeting
The board must give the member at least 10 days’ advance written notice before the meeting at which discipline or a penalty is considered.
§5855(a), Cal. Civ. Code
Internal dispute resolution (IDR) after the hearing
If the matter is unresolved after the disciplinary hearing, the member may request the association’s IDR process.
§5855(d), Cal. Civ. Code