The number of Americans facing challenges with homeowners association (HOA) payments has increased sharply in recent years. Fees have steadily risen, leading to a higher risk of homeowners losing their properties. According to a study by property data platform Cotality, HOA liens grew by 41.7% from 2022 to 2025. In 2023, there were 177,260 HOA liens nationwide, increasing to 250,951 by 2025.
HOA dues can range from hundreds of dollars per month. These fees, added to rising insurance and taxes, can strain household budgets. Homeowners often prioritize mortgages and utilities over HOA dues to avoid bank foreclosure and maintain essential services. This prioritization can result in unpaid HOA fees when budgets are tight.
Understanding HOAs
HOA fees are payments made to a homeowners association, which manages residential communities, subdivisions, or condominium buildings. These associations handle repairs, amenities, and property upkeep rules. Purchasing a property in an HOA community requires legally paying these fees.
Monthly HOA fees typically range from $200 to $400. Condos and townhomes are more likely to have these fees than single-family homes. New constructions also tend to have HOAs more frequently than older homes.
HOA and Non-HOA Homes
Homes with HOA fees have become more common. In 2026, nearly 44% of U.S. homes for sale had a monthly HOA fee, compared to 34.3% in 2019, as reported by Realtor.com. The median HOA fee rose from $108 in 2019 to $135 in 2026.
The presence of non-HOA homes is also increasing. In 2026, the share of non-HOA homes reached 43.6%, up from previous years.
Consequences of Unpaid HOA Fees
If homeowners neglect HOA dues, associations can file liens against their properties. While this doesn’t immediately result in losing the home, it complicates selling or refinancing. Liens can accrue interest, late fees, and legal costs, worsening the financial burden. Some states, like Minnesota and Nevada, allow aggressive foreclosure actions if debts remain unpaid.
States with Foreclosure Challenges
From 2022 to 2025, HOA foreclosure filings increased by 46.1%. Florida, Texas, Nevada, California, and Arizona accounted for most of these filings, comprising 85.2% of the national total.
Florida homeowners face high HOA fees relative to home prices, with cities such as Miami and Naples among the most expensive. Florida’s numerous condos and new construction developments contribute to the issue. Additionally, building safety rules following the Surfside collapse and climate change impacts have driven HOA fee increases.
Home insurance premiums have risen significantly. In Florida, premiums went up by 60% from 2019 to 2023. Texas saw a 60% increase in 2024 compared to 2019, while Arizona experienced a nearly 70% rise over six years.