Understand the laws
that govern your community.

A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization that makes and enforces rules for a planned community, condominium, or subdivision and collects dues to maintain shared areas. Membership is usually mandatory, and owners agree to follow the community's governing documents.

HOAs are governed mainly by state law, which varies widely from state to state, plus the community's own governing documents. Some federal laws — such as the Fair Housing Act — also apply.

Begin with your state's HOA statutes, then your community's CC&Rs and bylaws, which must comply with state law. You can browse HOA laws by state.

In most states, yes. An HOA can record a lien for unpaid assessments and foreclose on it when state law and the community's CC&Rs allow — usually triggered by unpaid dues. The process is judicial or non-judicial depending on the state.

Unpaid dues can lead to late fees, interest, suspended access to amenities, a lien on your property, and — in many states — foreclosure.

HOAs commonly regulate exterior appearance, landscaping, paint colors, parking, fences, pets, rentals, and architectural changes, as set out in the CC&Rs — and rules must comply with state and federal law.

Governing documents include the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs), articles of incorporation, bylaws, and rules. They follow a hierarchy: state law sits above the CC&Rs, then bylaws, then rules.

Start by reviewing your governing documents and state law, then raise the issue with the board in writing; many disputes are settled through negotiation or mediation. Some states require mediation first and have an agency that handles HOA complaints.