Lawmakers say the new rule is a win for fairness and affordability for the 65% of the state’s homeowners governed by homeowners associations
Homeowners in California no longer have to fear exorbitant fines thanks to a new law that caps fines for violations of homeowner association (HOA) rules at $100. As Cal Matters reports, the rule, which took effect in July, will tackle extreme cases of unfair, egregious, and retaliatory fines.
“I have seen the worst of the worst and HOAs fine thousands of dollars and foreclose on those homes,” Edward Susolik, CEO and president of Callahan & Blaine, who represents both homeowners and HOAs told Cal Matters. “Generally speaking, that seems reasonable to bring that down because that is one of the biggest issues living in California, because HOAs have very broad powers to enforce their rules.”
In California, more than 50,000 HOAs govern around 65% of the state’s homeowners, and nearly 70% of all new single family homes built in 2024 are governed by HOAs. They also charge some of the steepest monthly fees in the nation.
The new fine cap contains an exception for rules that affect public health or safety.
Read the full story: New California law restricts HOA fines to $100 per violation, giving homeowners a break
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