California Retiree May Lose Home Over $26,000 HOA Assessment for Roof Repairs

An 81-year-old California homeowner fears she will be forced to leave her home after her condominium association levied a $26,000 emergency assessment for roof replacements on each resident.

Owners at the 198-unit Vilamoura at Rancho San Clemente condominium complex received the special assessment to fund extensive roof repairs. Beverly Albright, a retiree living on a fixed income, told ABC7 that the bill could lead to her losing her home.

"Retired, single, what, lose my house? I wouldn’t qualify for a loan to refinance. So where do you go?" Albright said, adding that her children have already provided financial assistance. She is considering taking out a loan to cover the charge.

Residents were presented with several payment options: a lump sum of over $26,000, two installment payments, or a payment plan that would increase their monthly costs by more than $2,000, in addition to their regular HOA dues, which already exceed $500 per month.

Residents are challenging the HOA's decision to classify the roof work as an emergency, which allowed the assessment to be imposed without a homeowner vote. They argue that the roof issues were a known, long-term maintenance problem rather than an immediate crisis.

"It was not an emergency; it’s deferred maintenance," said resident Noah Martin. "And so, then we as members should have a vote on how we want to take care of the roofs."

Some residents also claim the roofs are not currently leaking and have requested that the association obtain multiple competitive bids for the project. They believe a temporary weatherproofing solution, estimated at around $400 per owner, could suffice through the winter while a long-term plan is developed.

However, the HOA maintains that immediate roof replacement is essential to prevent further damage. An attorney representing the association, James R. McCormick, stated that an independent expert identified deteriorated waterproofing and installation issues with the original tiles, warning that delays could result in significant interior damage.

McCormick acknowledged that the roof maintenance "should have been planned for and performed in prior years," but emphasized that the work is now necessary. The total project cost, including approximately $500,000 for fire-suppression system repairs, is projected to be $5.2 million.

Homeowners who fail to pay the assessment risk further action, including lien notices and potential foreclosure. In response, a group of residents is attempting to recall members of the HOA board and gain control of the association.

McCormick, however, asserted that the recall effort "will not change the status of the roofs or otherwise obviate the need for immediate roof replacement."

The situation in San Clemente reflects a broader trend in California, where aging condominium complexes are increasingly facing substantial special assessments due to major maintenance needs, rising insurance costs, and new safety regulations.