Monthly maintenance fees at New Jersey community associations rose by 9.7% year-over-year, driven by inflation, escalating operating costs, and an industry-wide push to bolster long-term reserve funding, according to WilkinGuttenplan’s newly released 2026 Financial Benchmarking Survey Results.
The annual study, which analyzed financial data from more than 400 community associations across the state, highlights a dual trend of rising homeowner costs and accelerated financial preparation. Alongside the nearly 10% jump in monthly maintenance fees, the survey identified a 9.1% increase in annual replacement fund contributions and a 7.6% boost in overall replacement fund balances.
Accounting and advisory firm leaders attribute the shift to a combination of persistent inflationary pressures and heightened regulatory scrutiny surrounding building safety. New Jersey’s structural integrity requirements have placed renewed emphasis on adequate reserve funding, prompting association boards to confront historical funding shortfalls and prioritize long-term capital planning.
“When looking at maintenance fee increases, it’s important to understand where those dollars are going,” Mohammed Salyani, shareholder and community association practice co-leader at WilkinGuttenplan said. “We’re seeing associations make greater investments in their reserves, which is an encouraging sign. Building and maintaining adequate reserves is an important part of protecting a community’s financial health and preparing for future needs.”
Beyond statewide averages, the 2026 benchmarking report features an interactive database designed to help property managers and association board members evaluate their financial standing against peer properties.
Drawing from the sample of over 400 New Jersey communities, the tool compiles five distinct reports covering operating expenses, reserve funding levels, and other fiscal metrics. Users can benchmark their properties against similar associations statewide or filter data by county to assess localized trends.
WilkinGuttenplan noted that access to granular comparative data provides boards with a clearer roadmap for upcoming budget cycles and strategic capital improvement projects, helping communities navigate rising maintenance expenses while securing their long-term structural and financial stability.
