Special Assessments (Cuotas especiales y derramas)

A special assessment (derrama) is an extraordinary charge imposed by the board on all owners to cover a large expense: roof repair, repaving, a new elevator, or a reserve fund deficit. It is announced suddenly, sometimes for thousands of dollars per unit, and with short deadlines. It is common after hurricanes, structural damage, or years of excessively low fees. The typical pattern: owners find out through a circular, doubt the necessity of the expense, how their share was calculated, or whether the board followed the correct approval process. Cases are resolved well when the project budget, quotes, approval minutes, and the proration method are reviewed, and payment scheduling is negotiated. On this page (free), we offer general guidance on what an assessment is and what to review. As a member of Mi Junta ($29 per month, covers all categories), you receive help analyzing documentation, drafting requests for information and formal objections, links to the regulations governing these charges, and support throughout the entire process.