Cal. Civ. Code §5600
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Assessment levy — Authority and limits
Authorizes the association to levy regular and special assessments sufficient to perform its obligations under the governing documents and Davis-Stirling. The assessments must be levied uniformly per the declaration; they cannot exceed the amount necessary for the association's duties.
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Statutory Text
Verified Aug 5, 2026 · CA_LEG_INFO
Civil Code - CIV DIVISION 4. GENERAL PROVISIONS [3274 - 9566] ( Heading of Division 4 amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 160, Sec. 16. ) PART 5. Common Interest Developments [4000 - 6150] ( Part 5 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) CHAPTER 8. Assessments and Assessment Collection [5600 - 5740] ( Chapter 8 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) ARTICLE 1. Establishment and Imposition of Assessments [5600 - 5625] ( Article 1 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) 5600. (a) Except as provided in Section 5605, the association shall levy regular and special assessments sufficient to perform its obligations under the governing documents and this act. (b) An association shall not impose or collect an assessment or fee that exceeds the amount necessary to defray the costs for which it is levied. (Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. (AB 805) Effective January 1, 2013. Operative January 1, 2014, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 180.)
Assessment
| Ref | Requirement |
|---|---|
| (b) | The HOA can only collect what it actually needs to cover its operations. It cannot levy assessments to build a surplus beyond legitimate reserves or to fund non-association activities. |
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Legal references last verified July 4, 2026.
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