Updated on September 23, 2025

AB 130: Key Changes to Homeowners Association Fines and Disciplinary Procedures in California

California’s AB 130 California HOA fines law, passed on June 30, 2025, and effective the next day, limits HOA fines and introduces key protections for homeowners. The law brings significant changes to how Homeowners Associations (HOAs) handle fines and disciplinary procedures. You can read the full bill text on the California Legislative Information website. If you need assistance understanding AB 130 and your rights under this new law, contact Schorr Law for expert legal guidance.

Key Takeaways: What You’ll Gain from This Blog on AB 130 California HOA Fines Law

• AB 130, passed in June 2025, limits HOA fines in California to a maximum of $100, creating a fairer process for homeowners.
• The law bans late fees and interest on unpaid fines, protecting residents from escalating financial penalties.
• Homeowners are now entitled to a mandatory opportunity to fix any HOA violation before a fine can be imposed.
• Health and safety violations are treated differently—HOAs can charge more, but only after issuing a written statement in a public board meeting.
• You’ll learn how written resolutions after hearings become legally binding, giving you enforceable protection.
• The blog explains your right to dispute fines using Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) under Civil Code § 5910.
• This article helps you understand how AB 130 improves transparency, fairness, and homeowner rights in disciplinary actions.
• You’ll also see real-world applications and legal insights, including how the case of Haidet v. Del Mar Woods HOA offers lessons for avoiding procedural mistakes.

Whether you’re a homeowner or board member, this blog breaks down AB 130 in plain English—so you understand your rights and the law’s impact.

What Are the New Monetary Limits Set by AB 130 on HOA Fines in California?

Under AB 130, HOAs are now restricted in the amount of monetary fines they can impose on homeowners for violations of governing documents. The maximum fine that an HOA can impose for a single violation is $100, which is the lesser of the penalty stated in the governing documents or $100.

AB 130 also prohibits the imposition of late fees or interest on fines, ensuring that penalties are straightforward and transparent. This provides clear limits on how HOAs in California can financially penalize homeowners for violations.

When Can California HOAs Impose Fines Above $100 Under AB 130?

An exception exists for violations that create an adverse health or safety impact on the common area or another homeowner’s property. In these cases, the HOA board may impose a fee above $100 if the board issues a written finding during an open board meeting specifying the health or safety impact of the violation.

How Does AB 130 Ensure Homeowners Get a Fair Chance to Cure HOA Violations?

One of the most significant changes under AB 130 is the requirement for HOAs to give homeowners a meaningful opportunity to cure violations before imposing any fines or discipline. Before the disciplinary meeting, the HOA must notify the homeowner in writing about the meeting’s date, time, location, and the nature of the violation or damages. Homeowners also have the right to attend the meeting and address the board.

If a homeowner cures the violation before the meeting, or if the homeowner provides a financial commitment to cure the violation (if it will take longer than the time before the meeting), the HOA cannot discipline the homeowner. This provision ensures that homeowners are given a fair chance to remedy violations before penalties are applied.

What Are the Required Post-Hearing Procedures and Dispute Resolution Options Under AB 130?

After the disciplinary meeting, if the homeowner and the HOA reach an agreement, a written resolution must be drafted and signed by both parties. This resolution is legally binding and enforceable in court, as long as it does not conflict with governing documents or the law.

If a homeowner disagrees with the HOA’s decision, they can request Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) under Section 5910 of the Civil Code. Regardless of the outcome, the HOA is required to provide written notice of the disciplinary decision within 14 days of the meeting.

How Does AB 130 Impact the Rights and Protections of California Homeowners in 2025?

AB 130 significantly alters how HOAs can discipline homeowners, providing more fairness, transparency, and opportunities for homeowners to rectify violations. The law limits the fines HOAs can impose, mandates an opportunity to cure violations, and offers clear procedures for resolving disputes between homeowners and their associations.

If you have questions about AB 130 and how it could impact your rights as a homeowner in California, contact Schorr Law for a free consultation. Our team can help you navigate HOA disputes and ensure your rights are protected under the new law.

For insight into how HOA disputes can play out under existing law, including procedural pitfalls that homeowners and associations should avoid, see our analysis of Haidet v. Del Mar Woods Homeowners Association.

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