Question:
Hello,
I have lived in my Condo since 2005. The HOA is aggressively raising the fees each year while providing less upkeep and safety to the homeowners.
Each year the annual budget comes out and it states we need to raise our homeowners insurance, and the HOA is not responsible for any water damage done inside your condo’s from their leaking pipes.
Is there a way for the homeowners to fight the boards decision to raise fees? If so how?
Half of the board members are investment property owners that do not even live on site. They rent units out and somehow seem to get all the votes each year to be the president and other positions on the board.
They are planning on raising our HOA fees from $465 to $612 a month for Condo’s in Santa Ana. Can you let me know if there is a way to fight this increase in fees? We all know once they go up, they never go back down.
Thank you,
– Shelly
Answer:
California law currently does not place a cap on HOA fee increases, though you should check your governing documents to see if they limit such increases.
An HOA board is generally allowed to raise the fees by as much as the association needs to meet its budget. It is entirely possible that insurance premiums have gone up, especially if you are located in an area with a high risk of fires or wildfires. Fire insurance for HOAs has recently skyrocketed, forcing many associations to adjust their budgets and raise dues. If you are unsatisfied with your board, you might consider removing board members or running for a position yourself at the next election.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers. The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice.
