Examples of homeowner association harassment Offensive language, including derogatory comments and personal attacks. Threats of physical, legal, or financial harm. Some residents report that some types of harassment include fines and penalties, as excessive fines may be levied for minor infractions.
Bylaws define how an HOA operates and generally include information about board member election terms, meeting frequency, the community budget, and the amendment process for modifying bylaws in the future. Covenants are rules, conditions, and restrictions that govern the community of homeowners.
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.
In 2024, the California legislature passed an amendment that allowed online elections to be held within HOAs. It recognized that this could open the door to digital vote manipulation within the HOA's management, though, so the state mandated that each HOA election needed to have an independent inspector of elections.
The board may, without membership approval, levy a special assessment up to five percent (5%) of the current year's budgeted gross expenses, subject to certain requirements. (Civ. Code § 5605; See also “Limitations on Assessment Increases.”)
What rules cannot be enforced by HOAs? ing to California Civil Code 4225, housing associations cannot discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, income, gender (identity or expression), disability or status (martial or military).
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.
AB1033 is a California state law passed in October 2023 that aims to promote affordable homeownership by allowing ADUs to undergo inium conversion.
New California laws taking effect July 1, 2024 ban hidden fees, limit deposits to one month's rent and double the fines for illegal fireworks.
Laws always supersede governing documents IF they conflict and the law applies to your HOA. In California, the Davis-Stirling Act may take precedent over general corporation codes because it's specific to HOAs.