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The Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline at dusk
RESERVE STUDIES IN CALIFORNIA

California reserve planning

SmartProperty® helps California associations meet the Davis-Stirling reserve study cycle and get ahead of AB 2050, which makes minimum reserve funding mandatory in 2032. Build the funding plan now and avoid a forced special assessment later.

Every 3 yearsA full reserve study with a site inspection, updated every year in between
Jan 1, 2032AB 2050 makes minimum reserve funding mandatory
Jan 4, 2027Fannie Mae’s 15% reserve minimum takes effect for condo loans
WHAT CALIFORNIA REQUIRES

California requires the study.
AB 2050 will require the funding.

California already mandates the study for nearly every common interest development. The 2026 law adds a funding requirement, with roughly five years to prepare.

TODAY · DAVIS-STIRLING ACT · CIVIL CODE § 5550

Study, review and disclose

  • A full reserve study with a diligent visual inspection at least every three years, and an annual review in between.
  • The board adopts a funding plan in an open meeting and discloses the reserve summary in the annual budget report.
  • Condominiums with three or more units also need SB 326 balcony and elevated-element inspections by a licensed architect or structural engineer, built into the study.
FROM JANUARY 1, 2032 · AB 2050 · CIVIL CODE § 5552

Minimum funding becomes mandatory

  • The study is updated every year, and must state the minimum contribution that keeps the 30-year projection above zero.
  • Associations must fund at least that minimum each year.
  • If the projection falls below zero, at least 15% of the gross annual budget must go to reserves until it no longer does.
  • A shortfall can force a reserve funding special assessment, limited to once every nine years.
Read the full California reserve law guide
WHY IT MATTERS IN CALIFORNIA

Closing the gap now is cheaper
than a forced assessment in 2032.

A five-year runway, then a mandate

An association that is underfunded in 2032 faces higher regular assessments or a special assessment. Starting step-ups now keeps the increases small and gradual.

Lenders move first

For loan applications dated on or after January 4, 2027, Fannie Mae wants at least 15% of assessment income allocated to reserves, or a current study whose highest recommended contribution is funded. Baseline funding no longer qualifies.

Inspection findings feed the funding plan

SB 326 and SB 410 make balcony inspection reports association records and part of the resale package. Required repairs flow straight into the reserve plan.

HOW SMARTPROPERTY HELPS

Compliance is the floor.
Funding stability is the goal.

Full reserve studies and updates

A site-inspected study to start, then updates as costs and conditions change, so the board always has a current plan.

A plan that stays current

The Living Reserve Study® updates as projects are completed and costs change, so your plan is ready for the next update or budget.

Funding options the board can compare

Model higher contributions, special assessments, loans or lines of credit side by side before you take a recommendation to owners.

Numbers you can explain

Atlas shows the cost data and useful-life assumptions behind every figure, so boards can answer owner questions with confidence.

TALK WITH SMARTPROPERTY ABOUT CALIFORNIA

Get your California reserve plan
on solid ground.

See how the Living Reserve Study® works for your community, or tell us about your association and we’ll put together a proposal.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons: Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco: Daniel L. Lu, cropped by King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0. California law summary is not legal advice. Confirm your association’s obligations with California counsel.