Full Breakdown
Torrance Condo Owners Confront $49,000 HOA Special Assessment
9/8/2026, 12:55:45 AM
Core Event
Owners of a 499-unit condominium complex in Torrance, California, have been levied a $49,000 special assessment each, part of a $24 million emergency charge approved by the homeowners’ association (HOA). The fee is intended to fund a $13 million podium reconstruction, re-piping, and elevator repairs, bringing the total projected work to at least $19 million. Residents say the cost could be financially crippling and have begun legal action to recall the HOA board and contest the assessment.
Background & Context
The Torrance dispute follows a similar controversy in San Clemente, where owners of the 198-unit Villa Moura complex faced a $25,000-plus per-unit assessment for roof work that some argued was not an emergency under California Code of Regulations 5610. Both cases illustrate a broader rise in special assessments across California, driven in part by soaring insurance premiums and new balcony-inspection requirements. The state’s Davis-Stirling Act governs HOAs but provides no dedicated regulatory agency, leaving homeowners to rely on the Act’s provisions and the courts for protection.
Official Statements & Responses
He noted the imbalance of power, stating:
- “There's no such thing as a perfect statute. And so HOAs will routinely take advantage of non-bright lines of a vague language, or lines that aren't too bright, to do what they want to do anyway,” — Michael Kushner, attorney and expert
Kushner also emphasized that litigation is often the only effective recourse for owners:
- “When it's a homeowner trying to protect their rights, yeah, the only way they're gonna be able to force an HOA to follow the law is to sue them,” — Michael Kushner, attorney and expert
Homeowner Adam Dubin called for competitive bidding to ensure fiscal responsibility:
- “What we would like to do is have multiple bids competitively submitted and actually negotiate those bids in the best interest of the homeowners. As the board should be doing with their fiduciary responsibilities to us,” — Adam Dubin
Homeowner Opposition and Legal Action
Residents, including Stephen Wang, expressed shock at the size of the assessment and questioned the necessity of tackling multiple large projects simultaneously. They argue the HOA should seek multiple bids and involve members in decision-making, as required by the Davis-Stirling Act. The homeowners have filed a lawsuit and are pursuing a recall of the board, citing concerns that the HOA’s authority to impose such fees is “very lopsided.”
Guidance for Affected Owners
Kushner advises owners to scrutinize annual financial disclosures, especially the “percentage-funded” figure; a value below 55 % should trigger further inquiry. He recommends keeping all communications in writing, attending HOA meetings, and staying actively involved in association decisions to protect against unexpected financial burdens.
