California HOA Reserve Study
Every three years the Davis-Stirling Act asks your board whether the reserve fund can pay for what wears out. Slide to see where yours stands.
45%funded: fair
Against an example fully funded balance of $1,200,000, the amount a study says should be in the bank today.
A fair reading. The fund is growing but a large repair could still need a special assessment.
Four duties the law puts on the board
Every three years
A competent, diligent visual inspection of the accessible major components.
Civil Code 5550(a)
Every year
The board reviews the study and adjusts the reserve analysis as needed.
Civil Code 5550(a)
At an open meeting
Adopt a funding plan showing when and by how much assessments change.
Civil Code 5560
With the budget
Send owners the disclosure summary, percent funded included.
Civil Code 5565 and 5570
Condo balconies have their own inspection
Civil Code 5551, added by SB 326, covers balconies, decks and walkways more than six feet up in condominium buildings with three or more homes. Its findings feed the reserve study.
- Who
- A licensed structural engineer, civil engineer or architect
- When
- First by January 1, 2025, then every nine years
What a study costs
Size and complexity set the fee. A high-rise with elevators and garages costs more to study than a townhome court with twice the homes. An update without a site visit is often quoted under $1,000.
| Community | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Under 50 homes | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| 50 to 150 homes | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| 150 to 300 homes | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| High-rise condominium | $7,000 to $15,000 |
Typical ranges, a guide, not a quote.
Six regions, six different buildings
The law is the same from Redding to Chula Vista. The wear is not.
Get a quote for your reserve study
Three short steps: ZIP code, then contact details, then a handful of taps about the association.
We are not a reserve study firm. We pick one firm that works near you, name it, and forward your request only after you give the go-ahead.
Received. Thank you.
- Within one business day you will get an email or call naming one reserve study firm that covers your community.
- If you are happy with that firm, reply yes and we pass your request on. If not, it goes no further.
- The firm contacts you to scope the study and quote a fee. Nothing else lands in your inbox from us.