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Buyer's Guidechevron_rightGlossary

Special assessment

In plain English

A one-time charge an HOA bills every owner, on top of regular dues, usually for a big repair the reserve fund can't cover, like a new roof or repaving. It can be thousands of dollars, due soon after you move in. Whether you or the seller pays one already approved is something to settle in the contract.

Why it matters to you

A planned assessment can mean thousands of dollars soon after you move in. During due diligence, ask the HOA whether any are planned or being discussed, and read recent meeting minutes, where they usually come up first. Look at the reserve fund too: a low reserve and an old roof is an assessment waiting to happen.

Read more

menu_bookStep 6: Due diligenceThe questions to ask the HOA, and the papers to read before the period endsIn the Buyer's Guide
menu_bookStep 7: Negotiating repairsAsk the seller to pay or credit an assessment that's already approvedIn the Buyer's Guide
open_in_newCFPB: Are HOA dues included in my monthly mortgage payment?How HOA charges are paid, and what happens if they aren'tconsumerfinance.gov

An example

The meeting minutes from three months ago show the board discussing a new roof for the building, and the reserve fund won't cover it. Before your due diligence ends, you ask the HOA in writing whether an assessment has been approved and how much per owner. If it has, you ask the seller to pay it, or credit you for it at closing, in a signed amendment.

routeStep 6: Due diligenceHOADue diligence periodClosing costs

infoGeneral information from public guidance. Rules and contracts differ by state, and your own contract decides: read it, and ask your agent or closing agent about anything that matters. Not legal or financial advice.

By David Knorr · Last reviewed October 28, 2026