HOA LAWS & REGULATIONS
Federal Laws - In addition to state law regulations, the federal government has laws that govern the operation and management of common interest communities in the state of Connecticut.
Connecticut Condominium Act of 1976, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47-68a through 47-90g. The Act governs, among other things, the formation, management, powers, and operation of condominium associations formed before January 1, 1984, except when CIOA applies
Connecticut Common Interest Ownership Act (CIOA), Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47-200 through 47-299. The Act governs the creation, alteration, management, termination, and sale of common interest communities (condominiums, homeowners' associations, and cooperatives) formed in Connecticut after January 1, 1984. Certain provisions of this Act also apply to common interest communities formed before January 1, 1984, but do not invalidate existing provisions of the association's governing documents. See §§ 47-214 to 47-219.
Connecticut Revised Nonstock Corporation Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 33-1000 through 33-1290. The Act governs nonstock corporations in Connecticut with regard to corporate structure and procedure. Most homeowners' associations and condominiums in Connecticut are organized as nonstock corporations (incorporated under Connecticut law). Visit the Connecticut Secretary of State to check the corporate status of a common interest community.
Connecticut Human Rights And Opportunities Law, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-51, et. seq. The law includes provisions that protect people's right to have access to all housing opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status or status as a veteran. § 46a-64c. See also, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-64b (Discriminatory housing practices: Definitions.); 46a-81e (Sexual Orientation Discrimination Housing), 46a-98a (Discriminatory Housing Practice).
The law provides state-level protections similar to the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). Victims of housing discrimination may file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities or HUD or file a private lawsuit in federal or state court.
Recommended Reading:
Connecticut Discriminatory public accommodations practices prohibited. Penalty, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64. The law prohibits discrimination against persons because of race creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, mental retardation, or mental or physical disability, or restricting or limiting a mother's right to breast-feed her child in a place of public accommodation, resort, or amusement. These protections are similar to the Americans with Disability Act ("ADA"), so its application is usually limited to publicly-accessible commons areas in the community. See also, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-63 (Definitions); 46a-44 (access of guide and assistance dogs to modes of public transportation and in places of public accommodation). The law is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division.
Recommended Reading:
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA - A guide on the ADA's service animal provisions.
ADA Revised Requirements: Service Animals - This publication clarifies and refines issues and contains new, and updated, requirements, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards).
Connecticut Community Association Managers, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 20-450, et. seq.: The law requires community association managers who offer association management services to obtain a certificate of registration from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection in order to serve as a community association manager. The Connecticut Real Estate Commission is responsible for enforcing the law.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Federal Agencies - List of federal agencies with oversight authority over homeowners’ associations.
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The Division has the statutory authority to investigate alleged violations of housing discrimination and may issue a charge if it concludes probable cause exists to believe that unlawful discrimination has occurred. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-82-46a-96.
Connecticut Government Portal - Search for government information by topic and agency.
Connecticut General Assembly - Search your state representative and the legislation (or, "statutory law") database.
Foreclosure of Condominium Liens in Connecticut (2020 Edition).
Condominiums - Access to Association Records
Condominiums - Applicable Law
Condominiums - Duty of Association to Repair Common Elements
Condominium Association's Duty To Provide Insurance
Condominium Associations—Delinquent Common Charges
Homeowners Associations—Special Assessments
Smoke Free Housing for Condominium Owners and Homeowner Associations
Connecticut Attorney General - The office of the attorney general plays an important role in protecting the state's citizens.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Connecticut
HOA INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS
Connecticut's Homeowners' Association Directory - Find the association's contact information, list of active board members, and essential corporation information by searching for the subdivision or community name.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-260(a) of the CIOA, condominium and homeowner associations are required to keep detailed financial records. The law requires that all financial and other records be made reasonably available for examination by any unit owner and authorized agents (CGS § 47-260(b)). See also Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-81 for condominiums created before January 1, 1984.
Connecticut Recorded Document Search - Visit your county recorder's office to find HOA documents, like CC&Rs, Amendments, Bylaws, HOA Notices, Subdivision Maps, Plats, Recorded Land Surveys, Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Liens, and Judgments. Search under the subdivision or community name.
Connecticut Land Records - Find documents related to the ownership of real estate property.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Direct link to Connecticut Statutes & Annotations
Connecticut Judicial Branch - Find court information, self-help, forms, court documents, search cases, and legal opinions. Homeowners can also search a lawyer's license status and history, obtain the status of lawyer disciplinary matters, or file a complaint.
Connecticut Bar Association - The bar provides public access to a lawyer directory, lawyer referral service, and free or low-cost legal services.
American Arbitration Association - The association provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) information, resources, and services.
Connecticut Law Help - The office provides free legal services to low-income people.