Most HOA documents are public record, including governing documents. Some states only require the HOA to make certain documents public, while others can be kept confidential. These confidential records can include things like board meeting minutes, financial records, and insurance claims.
In some states, such as California, HOA bylaws are considered public record and must be made available upon request.
You can contact your local government office for assistance. For example, you can visit the California Attorney General's HOA Consumer Information page for more details. Online Databases: There are online databases and resources that compile HOA documents. These can be helpful if your HOA participates in such programs.
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.
It is rare for the IRS to recognize an HOA as a 501(c)(3) organization. While HOAs and condo associations establish themselves as nonprofits, they are not tax-exempt organizations under 501(c)(3). The requirements for 501(c)(3) are very strict. To qualify, an organization must serve a broad public interest.
The main difference is that covenants dictate property-related restrictions, while bylaws govern how the HOA operates — things like board elections, meeting procedures, and voting rights. Because covenants are recorded with the property deed and tied to real estate law, they generally hold more weight.
Generally speaking, most HOAs can control anything that is visible from outside the house. So that includes anything that goes on outside, up to the siding, roofing, etc on the house itself. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to assume they would have requirements for backyard items.
Section 4900 of the Act says that all HOA board meetings must be open to all association members, with a few exceptions for private sessions. In California, executive sessions are closed-door talks that only board members, and certain other people can attend.
In summary, there is no case where HOA rules override state law. Considering the hierarchy, federal, state, and local laws always take precedence over an association's rules. Board members should have a solid grasp of these laws. In doing so, they can protect the HOA and mitigate the risk of liability.