The HOA Guide

Can an HOA Raise Dues Without Notice?

By The HOA Guide Editorial Team · Published

Opening a statement to a surprise dues increase feels like the HOA did something it shouldn’t have. Sometimes it did — but often the increase is legal and it’s the communication that failed. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Yes, HOAs can raise dues — within a process

Associations fund themselves through regular assessments (dues), and those rise over time as insurance, utilities, vendor costs, and reserve funding increase. What the board generally can’t do is raise them by fiat. The typical process:

  1. The board proposes a budget for the year.
  2. It’s adopted at a properly noticed meeting (often owners may attend).
  3. Owners get notice of the new amount before it takes effect.

Where “without notice” becomes a real issue

Two things make an increase challengeable:

  • No proper meeting/vote. If the budget or increase wasn’t approved the way your bylaws require, the process is defective.
  • No required owner notice. Many states mandate advance written notice of an assessment change. Skipping it can delay or invalidate the increase.

Percentage caps

Some states and many governing documents cap annual increases without a membership vote — 20% over the prior year is a frequently seen figure. Above the cap, the board usually needs owners to approve the larger increase. Special assessments often have their own separate rules and thresholds — see our guide on HOA special assessments.

What to do

  1. Pull the budget, meeting notice, and minutes for the increase.
  2. Compare them to your bylaws (assessment procedure) and state statute (notice + caps).
  3. Put concerns to the board in writing.
  4. If the process was skipped, ask a community-association attorney whether the increase is enforceable.

Most of the time the fix is transparency, not a lawsuit — but you’re entitled to see that the rules were followed.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a limit on how much an HOA can raise dues?

Sometimes. Certain states and many governing documents cap annual increases (20% over the prior year is a common threshold) unless owners approve a larger jump. Outside those caps, dues generally track the approved budget, which can rise with insurance, utilities, and reserve needs.

Does an HOA have to notify owners before raising dues?

Usually yes. Most associations must adopt the budget or assessment at a properly noticed board meeting, and many states require advance written notice of the new amount before it takes effect. Skipping those steps is where increases become challengeable.

What can I do if my HOA raised dues improperly?

Request the meeting minutes and notice showing how the increase was approved, compare it to your bylaws and state statute, and raise it with the board in writing. If it was done without required notice or a vote, an attorney can advise whether it's enforceable.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your association's governing documents and your state's statute control — confirm specifics with a licensed professional.