Can an HOA double its dues in North Carolina? Generally, yes. State law typically does not cap assessment amounts, so the limits come from the governing documents and the required budget process, along with a board’s duty to act in the association’s interest. A story from Sherrills Ford drew attention this fall.

WSOC-TV reported in late October that a Catawba County association voted to raise monthly dues from

$1,250 to $2,500, a figure one owner said was $158 five years ago. The board attributed the increase mainly to legal and collection costs from unpaid accounts.

AMG has no involvement with this community and no knowledge beyond the news coverage. From that coverage, the dispute appears to be largely between owners and the developer under highly unusual circumstances. Stories like this travel because they are rare.

The typical experience looks different. In its 2026 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey, CAI’s Foundation for Community Association Research found that “86% rate their overall community association experience as positive or neutral,” and 82% say their board serves the community’s best interests. Assessments are the soft spot: just over half call theirs about right or too little.

With over 40 years managing Carolina communities, we have found that the size of an increase matters less than how long owners had to see it coming. A budget that surprises owners has already failed, whatever the numbers say. Boards facing a hard year do better when they publish the math early and itemize legal and collection costs plainly. Questions answered live, not only in writing, take the heat out of a meeting.

State law generally gives North Carolina owners a window to reject a proposed budget, and governing documents often add steps, so counsel should confirm the process first. We explore decisions under this kind of pressure in Pressure, Judgment, and Better Decisions.