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Is my HOA fine valid in Maryland?

Maryland sets a statutory notice-cure-hearing procedure before a fine (§ 11B-111.10), and — importantly — a fine by itself cannot be foreclosed on; only assessments can feed the lien.

This is general information, not legal advice, and it does not decide whether your fine is valid. For your specific situation, a licensed Maryland attorney is the right resource.

Check your notice

Answer a few questions about the Maryland fine or violation notice you received, and see how it compares to what the law requires.

Question 1

1.Did you get written notice identifying the violation and corrective action, with at least 15 days to cure, before the fine?

Question 2

2.If the violation continued or recurred, were you given written notice of a right to request a hearing where you could present evidence and cross-examine witnesses?

Question 3

3.Is the HOA trying to foreclose over a debt that includes fines?

Answer all questions to see your result.

What Maryland law requires before an HOA can fine you

Governing framework: Maryland Homeowners Association Act (Md. Real Prop. Title 11B).

Before imposing a fine, the association must give written notice identifying the violation and the corrective action and allow at least 15 days to cure.

Statute: Md. Real Prop. § 11B-111.10

If a violation continues or recurs within 12 months, the owner is entitled to written notice of the right to request a hearing (at least 10 days to request), held by the board, where the owner may present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.

present evidence and cross-examine witnesses” — Md. Real Prop. § 11B-111.10

Statute: Md. Real Prop. § 11B-111.10

A community-association lien may be foreclosed only for delinquent assessments, interest, and reasonable costs and attorney’s fees — fines are excluded, so a fine cannot ride along on the assessment lien.

Statute: Md. Real Prop. § 14-204

Timing the Maryland statute sets

HOA disputes often turn on short statutory windows — these are worth knowing early.

  • At least 15 days to cure before a fine

    The pre-fine notice must give the owner at least 15 days to correct the violation.

    Md. Real Prop. § 11B-111.10

  • At least 10 days to request a hearing

    When a hearing right is triggered, the owner has not less than 10 days to request the hearing.

    Md. Real Prop. § 11B-111.10

Go deeper on Maryland HOA law

Sources

Not legal advice.This article is general information based on publicly available state law, which can change and varies by state. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your community's governing documents may impose additional requirements. Verify the current statutes and consult a licensed attorney in your state about your specific situation.