Can my homeowners' association or condo corporation charge dues and cut my services if I don't pay?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Yes to properly levied dues — but their remedies have limits. A homeowners' association operates under RA 9904 (the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners' Associations); a condominium is governed by RA 4726 (the Condominium Act) through its condominium corporation and master deed/by-laws. Both can validly assess dues and special assessments to maintain common areas, provided the charges are imposed according to the association's/corporation's by-laws and the law. If you do not pay, the association or corporation can pursue collection and, under its by-laws and the governing documents, may impose a lien on the unit for unpaid assessments and enforce it as allowed by law. What it generally cannot do is act as judge and enforcer at will — cutting off essential utilities or services as a collection tactic is constrained, and disputes between a member and the association fall under the jurisdiction of the DHSUD (formerly HLURB), where you can contest an assessment or an abusive act. Ask for the board resolution and by-law basis of any charge, and raise a disputed assessment with the DHSUD rather than simply having services cut.
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Frequently asked
Can the association legally charge dues and special assessments?
Yes, when imposed according to its by-laws and the governing law — RA 9904 for homeowners' associations, RA 4726 and the master deed/by-laws for condominium corporations. Dues fund the upkeep of common areas. Ask for the board resolution and the by-law provision behind any charge you question.
Can they cut my water or power if I don't pay dues?
Using essential-service cutoffs as a collection tactic is constrained, and disputes between a member and the association are for the DHSUD to resolve. Rather than accepting a service cutoff, contest the assessment or the act with the DHSUD (formerly HLURB).
Can they put a lien on my unit for unpaid dues?
Under the governing documents and the law, an association or condominium corporation may impose a lien on the unit for unpaid assessments and enforce it as allowed by law. Confirm the exact basis in your by-laws/master deed, and if you dispute the amount, raise it with the DHSUD before it is enforced.
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Your rights as a home buyer or renter — the Maceda Law (RA 6552) refund and cash-surrender-value rules when you stop paying a house or condo on installment, the grace period before a developer can cancel, PD 957 remedies when a developer won't deliver your unit, title, or promised amenities, how to file against a developer at DHSUD / the HSAC, and the Rent Control Act (RA 9653) limits on deposits, rent increases, and eviction.