HOA fees in Massachusetts: Costs, coverages, and more

What are HOA fees?

HOA fees are regular payments homeowners make to support shared community expenses. The amount can vary widely based on the community’s size, location, amenities, and maintenance responsibilities.
 

What HOA fees may cover

HOA fees in Massachusetts usually pay for the services, maintenance, and reserves shared by the community. Depending on the association, they may cover:

• Landscaping and grounds care
   
• Snow and ice removal
   
• Road or private street maintenance
   
• Trash and recycling services
   
• Maintenance of community buildings and amenities
   
• Shared water, sewer, or electricity
   
• Community insurance policies
   
• Property management fees
   
• Accounting and legal expenses
   
• Security cameras or access control systems
   
• Community events and resident programs
   
• Capital improvements
   
• Contributions to reserve funds

Homeowners should review the association’s annual budget because two communities with similar fees may provide very different services.
 

Typical HOA fees in Massachusetts

$376 per month is the median monthly condo/HOA fee in Massachusetts reported in the 2024 American Community Survey. Actual HOA fees in Massachusetts may range from under $200 to more than $1,000 depending on the community’s location, services, amenities, and maintenance responsibilities.
 

Typical HOA fees in Boston

$374 per month was Boston’s median monthly condo/HOA fee reported in the 2024 American Community Survey. Communities with staffed services, extensive amenities, or greater maintenance needs may charge considerably more.
 

Typical HOA fees in Cambridge

$484 per month was Cambridge’s median monthly condo/HOA fee reported in the 2024 American Community Survey. Actual fees may be higher or lower depending on the property’s age, shared maintenance responsibilities, services, and amenities.
 

Do you have to pay HOA fees in Boston?

Homeowners generally must pay HOA fees in Boston when their property is part of a mandatory association. The obligation usually comes from the recorded covenants and other governing documents tied to the property, not simply from living within the city.
 

How HOA fees are calculated

Boards calculate HOA fees by estimating the association’s annual expenses and assigning each home its required share. The allocation method should come from the declaration, bylaws, or other governing documents. Some communities divide costs equally among all homes. Others use ownership percentages, property types, benefits received, or another stated formula.
 

Why are HOA fees rising in Massachusetts?

HOA fees in Massachusetts are rising because many communities are paying more for insurance, labor, materials, utilities, and essential maintenance. New England weather can also create significant costs for snow removal, drainage, paving, roofing, landscaping, and storm-related repairs.

Aging infrastructure is another factor. Communities that postponed major work or contributed too little to reserves may need larger increases to prepare for upcoming projects. Keeping fees artificially low can lead to deferred maintenance or unexpected special assessments later.

Learn more in our guide: Do HOA fees go up? What to know and how to avoid it.
 

How boards can avoid rising HOA fees

Boards cannot prevent every cost increase, but thoughtful planning can reduce sudden or unnecessary jumps in HOA fees.

Helpful steps might include:

1. Build a realistic annual budget

   Use recent invoices and current contract pricing rather than simply repeating last year’s numbers. Include reasonable allowances for inflation and unexpected repairs. Our financial management teams can help boards review expenses, plan for inflation and future repairs, and build a budget that reflects the community’s actual needs.
    

2. Maintain a healthy reserve fund

   Set aside money over time for predictable projects such as paving, roofs, drainage systems, or community buildings. Consistent reserve contributions spread costs across the owners who benefit from the property instead of placing the full burden on homeowners when work becomes urgent.
    

3. Review contracts before renewal

   Boards should review vendor performance, pricing, and contract terms before automatically renewing an agreement. Competitive proposals may identify better value, but the lowest bid is not always the best choice. Service quality and the cost of changing providers should also be considered.
   
   FirstService Residential can also draw on established vendor relationships and purchasing power to make it easier for communities to find strong value.
    

4. Address maintenance early

   Small concerns can become more disruptive and expensive when they are postponed. FirstService Residential supports regular inspections and preventive maintenance planning, helping boards track repairs, coordinate vendors, and address potential issues before they become emergencies.
    

5. Communicate budget pressures clearly

   Homeowners may be more understanding of an increase when they know what has changed and how the money will be used. Share simple explanations of major cost drivers and upcoming projects. Effective communication can also help owners plan for changes to their household budgets.

Can an HOA raise its fees?

An HOA can generally raise its fees when the increase follows the association’s governing documents, approved budgeting process, and any applicable legal requirements. The board should confirm who has authority to approve the budget and whether owner notice or a vote is required.
 

What happens if HOA fees are not paid?

Unpaid HOA fees can lead to late charges, collection costs, legal action, or a property lien when permitted by the governing documents and applicable law. The specific remedies available to a Massachusetts HOA depend heavily on how the association was created and what its recorded documents authorize.

Homeowners who are having trouble making a payment should reach out to the association early. A conversation may help clear up questions about the balance and determine whether payment options are available.
 

Are HOA fees tax-deductible?

HOA fees are generally not deductible for a home used only as a personal residence. Different tax treatment may apply when the property is used for business or produces rental income. Homeowners should speak with a qualified tax professional about their property and expenses rather than assuming the full payment is deductible.
 

About FirstService Residential

As North America’s leading property management company, FirstService Residential supports Massachusetts board members and building owners with local expertise backed by national resources. Our teams help with meetings, recordkeeping, financial management, resident communication, and 24/7 customer care.

This way, boards and owners can focus on long-term goals instead of day-to-day administration.

Contact a member of our team today to learn more about how we can serve your community.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.