Homeowners at the 198-unit Villa Moura condominium complex in San Clemente, California, are fighting their homeowners' association after it billed every resident $26,000 for "emergency" roof assessments, totalling nearly $5.15 million. Residents say they were given only a month to pay, that the HOA has not been transparent, and that the costs were foreseeable rather than a genuine emergency, meaning the board should have consulted homeowners rather than acting unilaterally. The dispute matters because around 60 per cent of residents are pensioners, many of whom say they cannot afford the sum and fear losing their homes.

The HOA is offering three payment options: a single $26,000 payment, two instalments of $13,000, or an initial $2,000 monthly charge for six months followed by $400 a month thereafter. Residents, including 81-year-old Beverly Albright, say they may be forced to sell up, while others argue the roofs merely need underlayment repairs rather than full replacement and that the $26,000 fee should have gone out to competitive bidding. Homeowners are now pursuing a GoFundMe appeal, attempting to recall board members, and considering legal action, including a claim that the board breached its obligations.