HOA Liens and Foreclosure in California: What Homeowners Need to Know
An unpaid HOA assessment can lead to a lien on your property — and eventually foreclosure. California's Davis-Stirling Act establishes strict notice requirements and dollar thresholds that must be met before a lien or foreclosure can proceed. Civil Code §5705 requires 30 days written notice before a lien is recorded.
Key Statutes
- Civil Code §5700
- Civil Code §5705
- Civil Code §5710
Questions covered in this guide
- Can my HOA put a lien on my home in California? California HOAs can record a lien against your home for unpaid assessments, but they must first follow the pre-lien noti…
- What is an HOA pre-lien notice in California? Before recording an assessment lien, a California HOA must provide a 30-day pre-lien notice under Civil Code §5660. Lear…
- Can my HOA foreclose on my home in California? California HOAs can foreclose for unpaid assessments, but strict limits apply under Civil Code §5700. Learn when foreclo…
- Can I pay off an HOA lien to stop foreclosure in California? Paying delinquent HOA assessments may stop foreclosure and lead to the release of the lien. Learn about payment plans, l…
- What is an HOA assessment in California? California HOAs use regular and special assessments to fund maintenance, insurance, operations, and reserves. Learn the …
- Can my HOA charge late fees on unpaid assessments in California? California HOAs can charge late fees on delinquent assessments. Learn the limits imposed by Civil Code §5650, when inter…
Have a question about your specific situation?
Our AI assistant answers questions based on the Davis-Stirling Act and your HOA documents.
Ask the AI assistant →Last reviewed: 2026-05-07 · Version 2026.1