Assessment Liens. An HOA lien is a legal claim that protects an association's financial interests if an owner fails to pay their dues or assessments. A lien is part of an association's collection procedures and is recorded against an owner's property when the person becomes delinquent. HOAs record their liens with the Office of the County Recorders to provide public notice that the lien exists. A lien makes the property difficult to sell or refinance until the delinquent amounts have been paid to the association. Authorization for assessment liens will be found in an association's CC&Rs.
Lien Release. A lien release is a document that removes an association's claim on a property, allowing a homeowner to be free of any further obligations related to his/her delinquent assessments.
ASSISTANCE: Associations needing legal assistance can contact us. To stay current with community association issues, subscribe to the Davis-Stirling Newsletter.