N.J.S.A. § 46:8B-14 (New Jersey Condominium Act — PREDFDA) · Last reviewed 2026
A special assessment is a one-time charge levied by an HOA board to cover an unexpected or deferred expense not covered by the operating budget or reserve fund. Below are the key rules that govern how New Jersey HOAs may levy special assessments and what rights homeowners have.
Can levy without member vote
Board may levy special assessments for common expenses as authorized by the master deed and bylaws. A 2023 law now requires condominiums with 10+ units to conduct reserve studies and maintain funded reserve plans.
Not required by statute
Trigger: Only if the master deed or bylaws require a member vote for large assessments
14 days
Advance written notice to members before assessment levy
Available
Board may levy emergency assessments for imminent threats to property or safety without standard notice.
New Jersey condo unit owners may file complaints with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The DCA oversees HOA registration and complaint resolution.
New Jersey enacted reserve study requirements in 2023 for condominiums with 10 or more units. Boards must now adopt written reserve funding plans and may not use special assessments as a substitute for maintaining an adequate reserve fund.
Pending special assessments must be disclosed in the resale disclosure package. Following the 2023 reserve study law, lenders are giving increased scrutiny to New Jersey condo reserve adequacy.
LotWize helps self-managed HOA boards in New Jersey track reserve funding, plan budgets, issue violation notices, and communicate with homeowners — all in one place. Reduce the risk of surprise special assessments with built-in reserve health tracking.
Start 14-Day Free TrialThis page provides general legal information only — not legal advice. HOA special assessment laws vary by community type (planned community, condominium, cooperative, etc.) and are subject to change. The information on this page is based on statutes in effect as of 2026 and may not reflect recent legislative changes. Always consult a licensed HOA attorney and review your governing documents before taking action.