Condo Owners Blindsided by a $26,000 Emergency Roof Bill — Per Unit

Residents of the 198-unit Villa Moura condo complex in San Clemente, California were hit with a sudden $26,000-per-unit emergency assessment to replace the building's roof. One 81-year-old resident told reporters she'd have to move.

Homeowners have launched a board-recall campaign and a legal claim alleging the assessment vote didn't follow proper procedure, along with a GoFundMe to help affected owners cover the bill. The story was independently picked up by outlets across the country, a sign of just how widely relatable a sudden five-figure HOA bill really is.