San Francisco HOA Guide (2026)
San Francisco Bay Area · California
San Francisco's density means nearly all multi-unit housing is governed by an HOA or condo association.
HOA Fees in San Francisco
$680/mo
National avg: $291/mo
$310/mo
National avg: $170/mo
$480/mo
National avg: $215/mo
Among the highest HOA fees in the US — driven by earthquake insurance, aging Victorian-era building maintenance, and premium amenity expectations.
California HOA Laws at a Glance
Fine cap
$100
Notice required
10 days
Hearing right
Required
- First offense fine cap: $100 per violation (unless CC&Rs authorize higher)
- Recurring violations: up to $100/day as a separate continuing violation
- Board must give at least 10 days written notice before a fine hearing
- Building exterior
- Earthquake insurance
- Elevator maintenance
- Water/sewer
- Trash
- Common area upkeep
- Gym
- Concierge
- Rooftop
- Parking
- Package Lockers
Many San Francisco HOA boards face the choice between self-management and hiring a full-service property management company. Management companies typically charge $10–$22 per unit per month — for a 75-unit community that is $750–$1,650/month. Self-managed boards with the right software can handle the same work at a fraction of the cost.
Related resources
Self-managing your San Francisco HOA? LotWize is built for boards like yours.
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Start 14-Day Free TrialFee data represents estimates based on available market data and public HOA disclosures. Actual fees vary widely by community, amenities, building age, and reserve funding status. Legal information is general in nature and not legal advice. Always consult an HOA attorney and your governing documents for your specific situation. Last updated: 2026.