HOA slaps every condo owner with surprise $26K bill forcing 81-year-old out

A California condo association has issued a special emergency assessment of about $26,000 per unit to owners at the 198-unit Vilamoura at Rancho San Clemente complex, and residents say it could force an 81-year-old homeowner to leave. Beverly Albright told ABC7 she’s on a fixed income and may not qualify for refinancing, while her children have already helped cover costs. Residents were offered options to pay—one lump sum, two payments, or a plan that initially adds more than $2,000 monthly—on top of HOA dues exceeding $500. Homeowners argue the roof work wasn’t a true emergency and should have required a homeowner vote; the HOA cites deteriorated waterproofing and risks of interior damage. The $5.2 million project also includes about $500,000 for fire-suppression repairs, with lien notices warning delinquencies could lead to foreclosure.