# Special assessment

> 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.

By David Knorr, founder of BuyWise Home. Last reviewed October 28, 2026. Web page: https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/special-assessment

## 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

- [Step 6: Due diligence](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/due-diligence): The questions to ask the HOA, and the papers to read before the period ends
- [Step 7: Negotiating repairs](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/negotiate-repairs): Ask the seller to pay or credit an assessment that's already approved
- [CFPB: Are HOA dues included in my monthly mortgage payment?](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/are-condoco-op-fees-or-homeowners-association-dues-included-in-my-monthly-mortgage-payment-en-1945/): How HOA charges are paid, and what happens if they aren't

## 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](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/amendment).

## Related

- [Step 6: Due diligence](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/due-diligence)
- [HOA](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/hoa): A homeowners association: shared spaces and rules, paid for by owners' dues.
- [Due diligence period](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/due-diligence-period): The days after signing to inspect the home and decide. Also called an inspection period.
- [Closing costs](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/closing-costs): Fees paid at closing on top of the down payment, often 2%–5% of the price.

_General 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._