TLS Assessment Services and Sunrise Assessment Services have come together to form a single assessment collection partner. Under the name Sunrise Assessment Services, we will continue business with the same people you have come to know and trust over the years, and we remain dedicated to serving all of our clients with integrity and care.
You will notice the website has a new look, and over the coming months all materials will be transitioned to the new logo and colors.
About Sunrise Assessment Services
Sunrise Assessment Services, Inc. (“SAS”) is a partner you can rely on for honest answers, transparent fees, and timely responses. SAS takes pride in upholding the highest standards in the business, developing and maintaining client relations, and producing favorable results for our clients.
No matter how complex or difficult the case may be, SAS is up for the challenge and is prepared to guide you every step of the way. Working hand in hand with both the HOA and homeowner, the collection of delinquent assessments is a seamless process in which you will have 24/7 access to up-to-date information on the foreclosure ensuring you are never left in the dark.
We understand that collecting assessments is vital to the health of the HOA. Yes, we also understand that sometimes emergencies and other circumstances prevent a homeowner from being able to pay. SAS’s goal is to find a reasonable and acceptable solution in which both parties can emerge successfully.
We are proud to be affiliated with the following organizations:
Randy Newman
President
Randy has been involved in real estate and default servicing since 1982. As an attorney in New York and New Jersey, Randy represented hundreds of buyers, sellers, owners, and lenders in connection with the sale, purchase, finance, lease, and foreclosure of residential and commercial real property throughout the United States.
Randy holds a BBA in Accounting from Hofstra University and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He is currently licensed as a real estate broker in California, an attorney in New York and New Jersey, and has been certified by the United Trustee’s Association (UTA) as a Trustee Sale Officer at the highest level.
Randy was previously an adjunct assistant professor of business law, and currently teaches Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and Aspects of Real Estate Law.
The Process
We recognize that the process for assessment collection can be overwhelming for all parties involved. There are multiple phases controlled by multiple regulations, subject to multiple waiting periods. For that reason, we have created a step-by-step outline to guide you through the journey and to help mitigate any confusion.
California Assessment Lien Foreclosure Process Outline
Pre-Lien Letter is Sent to Property Owner
This puts the property owner on notice that the HOA is going to take action to collect.
Notice of Delinquent Assessment is Recorded
Thirty days after the pre-lien letter was sent, the NODA is recorded and sent to the property owner.
Notice of Default is Recorded
If the delinquent assessment is either (1) more than $1,800, or (b) has been of record for more than 12 months, the NOD may by recorded.
Notice of Trustee’s Sale is Recorded, Published and Posted
If the property owner has not yet paid the delinquency, a sale date is set for the public auction.
Trustee’s Sale
If the property owner has not paid off the lien, then the property is sold to the highest bidder. After the Trustee’s Sale, the Certificate of Sale is issued to the highest bidder.
Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale is Issued or Certificate of Redemption
Frequently Asked Questions
For Homeowner’s Associations
When a homeowner refuses to make payments on association dues, the association is responsible for attempting to collect these assessments as put forth in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s). Prompt payment of assessments by all owners is critical and necessary for the well being of the property. Thus, collection is and should be taken seriously.
Here are some frequently asked questions we receive from HOAs and their management companies to provide you with clarity on the process.
Our fees are earned at each stage of the process. Please contact us for a quote.
To get started, head over to the Get Started section of our site and fill out the form to request more information. We will need the following documents in order to begin:
- Account Ledger
- Recorded Copy of CC&Rs
- Collection Policy
- Board Resolution to Lien (if applicable at this time)
The association has the right to collect any regular or special assessments, any late charges, and reasonable fees and costs of collection, attorney’s fees, and interest, if any.
The first stage in the HOA foreclosure process is sending out a Pre-Lien Letter to the homeowner. This letter notifies the homeowner that they are delinquent, and action will be taken to collect their dues. This step can be completed regardless of the amount owed to the association.
Thirty days after the Pre-Lien letter delivery date, we can proceed with filing the Notice of Delinquent Assessment (NODA). The NODA is a recorded document that states the homeowner’s delinquency and places a lien on the property. This step also can be completed regardless of the amount owed to the association.
However, in order to start the actual foreclosure process which begins with the Notice of Default, the delinquent assessment must be either a) an amount equal to or greater than $1,800 or b) delinquent for 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Homeowners
If you are a homeowner who has received from us notice of a current foreclosure on your property due to delinquent assessments, please review the answers to the below frequently asked questions. If you still have questions, please call us at (866) 595-0040 or email us at info@tlsemails.com.
If you do not have money to pay your delinquency in full, you can contact us here at Sunrise Assessment Services, Inc. and we can generate a payment plan that satisfies both you and the association. Our phone number is 866-535-3736.
If you disagree with the amount being charged by the association, you can do any of the following:
- Request a meeting with the board
- Dispute the delinquent assessments by submitting a written request for dispute resolution to the association
- Request alternative dispute resolution with a neutral third party
The association can collect HOA dues, late charges, interest, any special assessments that are not considered to be a fine, and any costs incurred in attempting to collect your dues. All of these costs can be included in the amount due in order to avoid foreclosure.
After the foreclosure sale there is a 90 day redemption period for you, in which you can regain ownership of your home. The successful third party bidder or the association will be on stand by for these 90 days. If after the 90 days, payment has not been made, the redemption period will expire and title will transfer over to the new owner.
Once the NOD records, you have approximately three (3) months to cure your delinquency before the association’s trustee can proceed with setting a sale date for foreclosure. Once the sale date is set, you have a minimum of three (3) weeks before the foreclosure auction occurs.
If the NOD has recorded, the only way to stop the foreclosure is to make a payment in full or enter into a payment plan with the association.
In California, foreclosures on Notices of Delinquent Assessments are typically conducted outside of court. The association will retain a trustee to prepare and record a notice of default (“NOD”) which is then given to you as required under law. The “official” start date of the foreclosure occurs once the NOD is recorded.
Yes, it is possible to lose your home if your delinquent assessments remain intact and the HOA chooses to foreclose.
Yes, even if your mortgage is paid and current, the association can foreclose on your property.
If you are delinquent more than $1,800 in regular and/or special assessments (not including interest, late fees, or collection costs) or if the assessments have been delinquent for more than 12 months, the association has the right to begin the foreclosure process on your property. See Civil Code 5720.
Get Started
We understand that the collection of delinquent assessments can be a difficult undertaking but with SAS on your side, you can sit back and rest assured that, from start to finish, you are in good hands. Please complete this inquiry form if you would like more detailed information on the process or if you have any questions!
Southern California
Phone
(866) 595-0040
Fax
(858) 630-5570
Office Address
Northern California
Phone
(916) 961-0374
Fax
(916) 962-1334
Office Address
Get In Touch Today
Sunrise Assessment Services, Inc. (“SAS”) is a partner you can rely on for honest answers, transparent fees, and timely responses. SAS takes pride in upholding the highest standards in the business, developing and maintaining client relations, and producing favorable results for our clients.