HOA or Homeowner Association

An HOA or Homeowner Association is a legal entity created to manage and maintain the common areas of a community. Typically these "common areas" consist of things like pools, clubhouses, landscaping, parks, streets and roads.

HOAs can consist of single family homes, condominiums, or town homes and are typically setup by the original developer of the community with a set of rules called "Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions" otherwise known as "CC&Rs".

One of the primary functions of the HOA is enforce and ensure that these "CC&Rs" are adhered to by the individual homeowners. The guiding principals of these regulations are normally to help maintain property values and the quality of life within the community.

Common Attributes of an HOA

• HOAs are normally non-profit corporations with a set of bylaws and the authority to enforce those bylaws, including things like architectural and design standards.
• Membership is normally mandatory for all property owners.
• Mandatory monthly dues are normal and periodic special assessments are not uncommon.
• Monthly fees can vary from less than $50 to hundreds of dollars per month.
• There is usually an elected board of directors who normally consist of volunteer homeowners.
• Many HOAs hire a property management company (usually picked by the board of directors) to do things like maintenance, bookkeeping, and dues collection.
• Many Home Owner Associations have an HOA Website to communicate effectively with their members.

Typical Services Performed by a Home Owner Association

• Collect monthly dues from homeowners and maintain financial statements.
• Enforce the deed restrictions or CC&Rs for things like: exterior home improvements, general exterior condition of property such as paint, how properties can be used, and even noise control.
• Maintain landscaping in the common areas.
• Provide snow removal.
• Maintain recreation facilities such as clubhouses and pools.
• Provide security services.
• Organizing regular activities and meetings for residents.
• For More Info see this article: HOA Maintenance-Who Has Responsibility for What?