Cal. Civ. Code §5850
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Schedule of monetary penalties — Notice and hearing

Requires associations to adopt and distribute a written schedule of monetary penalties (fines) for governing-document violations, and to provide written notice with an opportunity for a hearing before imposing discipline. The schedule must be distributed annually with the policy statement.

Status Active
Effective Jan 1, 2024
Verified Jul 4, 2026
Source Official text

Reviewed · California changes feed

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 10. Dispute Resolution and Enforcement [5850 - 5986] ( Chapter 10 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) ARTICLE 1. Discipline and Cost Reimbursement [5850 - 5875] ( Article 1 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) 5850. (a) If an association adopts or has adopted a policy imposing any monetary penalty, including any fee, on any association member for a violation of the governing documents, including any monetary penalty relating to the activities of a guest or tenant of the member, the board shall adopt and distribute to each member, in the annual policy statement prepared pursuant to Section 5310, a schedule of the monetary penalties that may be assessed for those violations, which shall be in accordance with authorization for member discipline contained in the governing documents. Monetary penalties shall be reasonable. (b) Any new or revised monetary penalty that is adopted after complying with subdivision (a) may be included in a supplement that is delivered to the members individually, pursuant to Section 4040. (c) A monetary penalty for a violation of the governing documents shall not exceed the lesser of the following: (1) The monetary penalty stated in the schedule of monetary penalties or supplement that is in effect at the time of the violation. (2) One hundred dollars ($100) per violation. (d) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), the board may impose a penalty stated in the schedule of monetary penalties or supplement that is in effect at the time of the violation that is greater than one hundred dollars ($100) per violation, if the violation may result in an adverse health or safety impact on the common area or another association member’s property. (2) Before imposing a penalty on a violation pursuant to this subdivision, the board shall make a written finding specifying the adverse health or safety impact in a board meeting open to the members. (e) A late charge or interest shall not be charged to a member for a monetary penalty. (f) An association shall provide a copy of the most recently distributed schedule of monetary penalties, along with any applicable supplements to that schedule, to any member upon request. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 22, Sec. 3. (AB 130) Effective June 30, 2025.)
Enforcement
Ref Requirement
(a) An HOA cannot fine owners unless it has first adopted and distributed a written fine schedule listing each violation and the corresponding penalty amount.
(b) Before a fine can be imposed, the owner must get at least 10 days' written notice of the hearing and have the right to attend and speak. Skipping this step makes the fine unenforceable.
Legal references last verified July 4, 2026. This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
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