Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

Can an HOA increase assessments without owner approval?

It depends on the governing documents. Many HOA declarations allow the board to increase regular assessments up to a certain percentage (typically 10–25%) without member approval, with larger increases requiring a majority or supermajority vote. Special assessments above threshold amounts in the governing documents may also require member approval. Any assessment increase must comply with the procedures specified in the governing documents.

What is a special assessment?

A special assessment is an assessment levied outside the regular annual or monthly assessment schedule — typically to fund a specific capital expense, repair, or unexpected cost not covered by reserves. Special assessments must be authorized by the governing documents, properly noticed to all owners, and allocated according to the formula in the declaration. Owners can challenge special assessments that exceed the board's authority or were not properly adopted.

Can I dispute an assessment that I think is incorrect?

Yes. The first step is to review the governing documents to understand the assessment authority and calculation formula. If the assessment was improperly calculated, levied without authority, or not properly noticed, you can raise these objections through the association's dispute resolution process and, if necessary, in court. It is generally not advisable to withhold payment without legal counsel — doing so can lead to late fees, liens, and collection action.

What happens if I don't pay my HOA assessments?

Unpaid assessments typically trigger late fees as specified in the governing documents, a formal collection notice, placement of a lien on the property, and ultimately foreclosure if the lien remains unsatisfied. Louisiana condominium associations have a super-lien priority for up to 6 months of assessments. HOA liens may have different priority depending on the recording date and governing documents. Contact an attorney immediately if you receive a lien notice.

Can an HOA charge legal fees and collection costs against my account?

Most governing documents allow the association to charge its legal fees and collection costs against the delinquent owner's account. Courts have generally upheld these provisions as long as they are clearly stated in the governing documents and the fees are reasonable. An owner who successfully challenges an improper assessment may be entitled to recover their own attorney's fees if the governing documents or applicable law provide for fee-shifting.

Can an HOA assess owners differently?

Assessments must generally be allocated according to the formula in the declaration — typically equal shares, proportional to unit size (square footage), or proportional to unit value. An association cannot simply assess different amounts to different owners for the same obligation unless the declaration provides a different allocation formula. A differential assessment that is not supported by the declaration may be challenged.

What is an HOA reserve fund and can the board spend it?

Reserve funds are accumulated association savings for future major repair and replacement of common elements (roof, parking lot, pool, etc.). The governing documents typically specify how reserves are funded and how they can be used. Spending reserve funds for operating expenses, or transferring reserves without proper authorization, may constitute a breach of fiduciary duty by the board.

Can a condo association foreclose on my unit for unpaid assessments?

Yes. Under La. R.S. 9:1123.115, a condominium association can file a lien and foreclose for unpaid assessments. The association must file and serve the lien properly, follow prescribed foreclosure procedures, and the owner has redemption rights. Timely payment and disputing specific charges rather than withholding all payments is the safest strategy while a dispute is pending.

HOA & Condo Law

HOA & Condo Assessment Attorney — Louisiana

Special Assessments · Collection Disputes · Lien Defense · Assessment Authority Challenges

HOA and condo assessment disputes involve challenges to the authority to levy assessments, calculation errors, improper special assessments, collection procedures, and lien enforcement. Louisiana condominium associations have statutory super-lien priority for assessments (La. R.S. 9:1123.115). Assessment increases and special assessments above threshold amounts may require owner approval. The Rhodes Law Firm represents both associations in collection matters and owners challenging improper assessments. Free consultation: (504) 475-0975.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Condominium & HOA Law — Assessment Disputes · Last Updated: September 25, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

Speak With an HOA Assessment Attorney

Jonathan M. Rhodes represents both associations in collection matters and owners challenging improper assessments. Free consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

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HOA & Condo Assessment Disputes — FAQ

Assessment Dispute? We Can Help.

Free consultation for associations and owners in Louisiana HOA and condo assessment matters.

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