Homeowners associations filed the equivalent of one lien every 90 seconds in 2025 against residents, with rising numbers hinting at growing consumer financial stress, which was particularly high in some regions of the country. 

In total, HOAs issued 284,933 liens in 2025, an 8.6% jump from the 262,446 delivered a year earlier, according to new research from real estate data firm Benutech. Considered a serious legal encumbrance, which could potentially lead to foreclosure, liens are filed against owners who fall behind on fees, fines or assessments, with amounts owed ranging between $200 and $1,000. 

Approximately 30 million units could be found in 373,000 HOAs last year, according to data from the Foundation for Community Association Research. LendingTree data also determined 2.6 million homeowners pay at least $600 a month in fees to their HOA. 

"The pace and volume of filings tracked in this data suggest a deepening financial strain on American homeowners," Benutech said in the report.

"The fact that national filings jumped nearly 23,000 from 2024 to 2025 is a signal worth examining alongside other economic indicators."

Lien volume by region and season

Diverging trends in the volume of filings appeared across seasons and states. Liens increased by the fastest pace in summer as well as December last year in comparison to the same months in 2024, suggesting that the likelihood of HOA enforcement is tied closely to budget cycles and assessment processes.  

Many HOAs issue annual assessment invoices at the start of the year, wait for delinquency to accumulate and file liens in the second half of the year, according to Benutech.

Filings accelerated the most in June from 20,737 to 25,092 year over year, up 21%. In December, liens increased 19.4% from 18,745 to 22,384. July had the largest overall monthly volume of 31,710.

Sun Belt states, in particular, experienced a noticeable surge in issued liens, with Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona accounting for more than half of 2025's volume. 

Florida recorded 49,447 HOA liens, leading all states by a wide margin and making up 17.4% of the national total. The Sunshine State's total grew 9.9% from 2024. 

Meanwhile, Louisiana reported the biggest spike in filings, with its total leaping 178.9% from 2,345 to 6,541 between 2024 and 2025. "Whether driven by a regulatory change, expanded HOA formation in suburban parishes, or post-hurricane financial pressure, the Louisiana surge represents an extraordinary shift that warrants close scrutiny," Benutech said.

Liens across the Sun Belt are climbing today following a wave of new HOA construction this decade from developers seeking to meet demand from an influx of new residents. Homeowners in those states today, though, now face rising mortgage rates, insurance costs and HOA fees compared to a few years ago. 

At the same time, homeowner associations are also raising fees "substantially" in response to higher insurance and maintenance costs, according to Benutech. Several of the states recording higher lien volume lie in areas at high risk of natural disasters.

Of note elsewhere, Colorado posted 7,679 liens in 2025, a notable pickup of 74% from 4,413 a year earlier. Unlike other states, no seasonal patterns emerged, with numbers picking up throughout the year.  

On the other end of the spectrum, ten states saw a drop in HOA liens, with Wisconsin, Wyoming and New York recording the biggest decreases between 18% and 45%. 

What this means for the housing market

With primary mortgage liens the top priority among consumers in their hierarchy of debt repayment, the relatively low rates of delinquencies in 2025 compared to historical levels still suggest solid financial footing for most U.S. homeowners. But other indicators point to potential stress.

Benutech characterized HOA liens as a downstream indicator of financial distress among homeowners.

Economic researchers also look at delinquencies in other types of consumer debt for potential signs of trouble, and homeowners' struggles to pay monthly bills may raise warning bells. 

Recent data from the Federal Reserve showed delinquencies in auto and credit card debt remaining at nearly the same year-over-year level but the researchers also noted growth in mortgage delinquencies in specific markets, highlighting the effect of regional trends on homeowners' ability to pay.