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How to send a HOA delinquency notice in California

In California, a HOA delinquency notice must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested (Cal. Civ. Code §5660; §5665; §5650(b); §5670; §4040(b), §5260; §5675(e)). The recipient has 30 days from the mailing date.

Last reviewed September 21, 2026 · Business research, not legal advice.
RequirementCalifornia HOA delinquency notice
Delivery methodCertified mail, return receipt requested (required) — Cortul also sends a First-Class copy.
Notice period30 days (calendar days)
Deemed receivedWhen it is mailed
Notice must include
  • A general description of the collection and lien enforcement procedures and of how the amount was calculated, and the right to inspect the association's records (§5660(a), §5205)
  • The statement "IMPORTANT NOTICE: IF YOUR SEPARATE INTEREST IS PLACED IN FORECLOSURE BECAUSE YOU ARE BEHIND IN YOUR ASSESSMENTS, IT MAY BE SOLD WITHOUT COURT ACTION." in 14-point bold if printed or capital letters if typed (§5660(a))
  • An itemized statement of the charges: delinquent assessments, fees and reasonable costs of collection, reasonable attorney's fees, late charges (up to 10% or $10) and interest (up to 12% a year) (§5660(b), §5650(b))
  • That the owner is not liable for charges, interest and costs of collection if the assessment was paid on time (§5660(c))
  • The right to request a meeting with the board on a payment plan, within 15 days of the postmark, met within 45 days (§5660(d), §5665)
  • The right to dispute the debt by meet and confer (§5900) and to request ADR (§5925) before foreclosure; no binding arbitration if judicial foreclosure is intended (§5660(e), (f))
If refused or unclaimedRefused mail is treated as received; unclaimed mail gets a First-Class copy as the additional step courts look for.
Statutes

This state requires strict compliance: every listed step must be completed and recorded. Getting most of it right is not enough.

Step by step

  1. Write the notice with every required element (the California template in Cortul already has them).
  2. Verify the recipient's mailing address with USPS.
  3. Send it by certified mail with return receipt, plus a First-Class copy.
  4. Keep the acceptance record, tracking history and the signed return receipt.
  5. Calendar the deadline from the mailing date.