Know what your HOA can actually do.

Yes — most HOAs in most U.S. states have lien and foreclosure rights for unpaid dues, fines, and assessments. Some states require judicial foreclosure or impose minimum-debt thresholds, but even small unpaid amounts can compound with attorney fees and trigger foreclosure proceedings. This is one of the most overlooked risks of HOA ownership.

A special assessment is a one-time charge to all owners, typically to cover unbudgeted expenses (roof replacement, lawsuit settlement, deferred maintenance). They can be tens of thousands of dollars per unit. The HOA’s power to levy them is in the CC&Rs — we extract the trigger conditions and any caps.

Look for the reserve fund balance vs. the reserve study requirement. A healthy HOA is at least 70% funded against its reserve study. Underfunded reserves usually mean a future special assessment. Buyer documentation often includes the reserve study; we surface what the CC&Rs say about funding obligations.

Often, yes. Many CC&Rs prohibit short-term rentals or limit them to a minimum stay (e.g., 30 days). Some restrict all rentals or cap the percentage of rented units. Always check the rental restriction language before buying if rental income matters to your plan.