Your HOA.
Your state.
Your rights.
The fastest way to find the laws, rules, and resources that govern your homeowners association.
What you need to know
Short-Term Rental Restrictions in HOAs
An HOA needs legal or contractual authority — usually its declaration or state law — to restrict short-term rentals.
Read article →Home Improvement & Architectural Review Boards
Courts uphold an HOA's right to impose architectural restrictions — as long as they serve a legitimate purpose.
Read article →A Step-by-Step Guide to Assessment Collections
Understand how the collections process works, plus the legal rights available to homeowners and associations.
Read article →Preventing the Spread of Illness in HOA Communities
Boards, owners, and residents all have a role to play in keeping planned communities healthy and safe.
Read article →HOA Powers and Obligations in Emergency Situations
An HOA exists to benefit its community — but in an emergency, that role can take on an entirely new dimension.
Read article →Weathering the Storm: Financial Impact on Homeowners
Owners can't fully avoid economic fallout, but prudent planning and practical measures can soften the blow.
Read article →Frequently asked questions
What is a homeowners association (HOA)?
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.
Are HOA laws federal or state?
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. Browse federal HOA laws or HOA laws by state.
How do I find the HOA laws for my state?
Begin with your state's HOA statutes, then your community's CC&Rs and bylaws, which must comply with state law. Use the state selector at the top of this page or browse HOA laws by state.
Can an HOA foreclose on your home?
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. See our HOA debt collection FAQs.
What happens if you don't pay HOA dues?
Unpaid dues can lead to late fees, interest, suspended access to amenities, a lien on your property, and — in many states — foreclosure. Read the step-by-step assessment collections guide.
What can an HOA regulate?
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. See sample governing documents.
What are CC&Rs and HOA governing documents?
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. Review sample bylaws and documents.
How do I resolve a dispute with my HOA?
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.
Become a well-informed community member
Browse the laws that govern your community — at both the federal and state level.
Support accessibility of HOA information Americans can depend on
Funding the HOPB project is one way to contribute to the strengthening of communities. Help us unlock our potential and fund the contributors working behind the scenes to make this network better for everyone.
Sponsor HOPB →