A formal letter notifying an owner that their account is being referred to collections for unpaid assessments.
A collection notice is the formal written notification that the HOA is escalating an unpaid assessment account to the collections process — which may include referral to a collections attorney, imposition of interest and attorney fees, and eventual lien filing. The collection notice must typically include: the total balance owed (dues, late fees, interest, attorney fees), the deadline to pay or make a payment arrangement, and the consequences of continued non-payment. In California, for example, the Davis-Stirling Act requires a detailed pre-lien notice. Sending a proper collection notice is a legal prerequisite to filing a lien in most states. The notice must be delivered in the legally required manner.
Failure to send a proper collection notice before filing a lien can void the lien and expose the HOA to a fee-shifting award if the owner challenges the collection action. Strict compliance with notice requirements is essential.
Collections Policy
The written policy governing how the HOA pursues unpaid dues, assessments, and fines.
Lien
A legal claim against a property securing payment of an unpaid HOA debt.
Delinquency
The status of an owner account when dues or assessments are past their due date and unpaid.
Delinquency Threshold
The unpaid balance or number of days past due that triggers escalated collection action.
LotWize handles collection notice tracking automatically — along with violations, ARC requests, meeting minutes, and homeowner communications, all in one platform built for self-managed HOAs.
Start 14-Day Free TrialThis page provides general information only — not legal or financial advice. HOA laws vary by state and community. Always consult your governing documents and an HOA attorney for guidance specific to your situation.