Assessment

Dues are the recurring share of the association budget. 'Assessments' is the broader legal word that often includes dues, specials, and sometimes other charges. Unpaid assessments are how HOA liens start. People say "HOA dues" at the kitchen table and "assessments" in the declaration. Both can be right. The legal hook is almost always the assessment obligation in the CC&Rs, not the nickname on your coupon. Nolo's assessment guide splits the language. HOA dues (or fees) are recurring payments — monthly, quarterly, or annually — that cover day-to-day costs: landscaping, maintenance, amenities. The fee usually has two parts: current-year operations (landscaping, snow, pool, insurance, water) and an amount placed into reserves for long-term repairs. Special assessments are the extra, occasional bill when dues and reserves aren't enough. The purpose of both is the same: they pay for neighborhood expenses. The board typically builds an annual budget and divides it among the homes. Equal-per-lot is common in planned communities. Condos more often use a percentage interest set in the declaration. Don't assume equality. Read the allocation article. Nolo lists typical operating items: landscaping, snow removal, pool maintenance, insurance, water. Reserves are the sinking fund for roofs, roads, painting cycles, and other big-ticket replacements.

This is general information from an AI helper, not legal advice. Confirm it against your documents and your state's law. If a deadline or hearing is coming up, talk to a licensed lawyer.