Can my HOA fine me without a hearing?

In most states, no. California's Davis-Stirling Act (Civil Code 5855) requires written notice at least 10 days before a hearing, and you must be given the opportunity to present your defense. Florida requires 14-day notice and an independent committee (not the board) to hear your case.

What is the maximum HOA fine in California?

Under AB 130 (Civil Code 5850), California HOAs are limited to $100 per violation unless the violation creates an immediate threat to health and safety. Fines cannot be increased for repeated violations of the same type.

How do I void an HOA fine for procedural violations?

California Civil Code 5855(g) states that any fine imposed without following proper procedures is void. Document any procedural failures (late notice, denied hearing, no opportunity to cure) and cite the specific statutory violation in your rebuttal letter.

What procedural defects void an HOA fine?

Common procedural defects include: notice less than required days before hearing, no hearing offered, denial of right to present evidence, no written decision within required timeframe, and exceeding state fine caps. Each state has specific requirements.

California HOA Defense

Check Your Notice

HOA Law Audit

Did your HOA follow Davis-Stirling? Probably not.
Probably not.

Upload your violation notice — we check every procedural requirement California law demands.

Violation Scan → Extract fines & procedural flags

State Law Audit → Check every procedural requirement

Defense Letter → Legal citations for your state

Check for Procedural Defects

§5855Notice & Hearing Rights

§5850$100 Fine Cap (AB 130)

§4040Delivery Requirements

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HOA violation or fine letter

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State law checklist

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Procedural violations identified

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Legal citations included

State HOA Law

Every State Has HOA Procedural Laws: Your HOA Must Follow Them

§5855(a)

10-Day Notice Requirement

HOA must provide written notice at least 10 days before any hearing

§5855(b)

Hearing Rights

You have the right to attend, present evidence, and address the board

§5855(c)

Right to Cure

Board cannot fine you if you fix the violation before the hearing

§5850

$100 Fine Cap (AB 130)

Fines cannot exceed $100 unless documented health/safety threat

§5855(g)

Voidability

Any fine imposed without proper procedure is void and unenforceable

State-Specific Protections

California and Florida both have strict procedural requirements for HOA fines. We automatically detect your state and cite the exact statutes that apply to you — whether it's California's Davis-Stirling Act or Florida's Chapter 720.

Why Procedural Defects Void Your Fine

Under state law, fines imposed without proper procedure are not enforceable — regardless of whether you committed the violation.

No Hearing = No Fine

State law requires a hearing before any fine. Skip it, and the fine is void.

Burden on the HOA

The HOA must prove they followed every step. You don't have to prove anything.

One Defect = Fine Void

State law makes any procedural defect fatal to enforcement. We find them all.

94%

Have Procedural Defects

States Supported

100%

State-Specific Citations

Homeowner Wins

"HOA tried to fine me $500 for painting my door. No hearing, no proper notice. Fine voided."

— San Diego, CA · Fine Voided

"No independent committee, no 14-day notice. Chapter 720 made the fine void."

— Orlando, FL · Fine Voided

"The legal citations in the letter shut them down. Board dropped the fine immediately."

— Irvine, CA · Fine Dropped

California & Florida supported