Examples of Common HOA Rules Architectural controls. Lawn and holiday decoration restrictions. Home maintenance standards. Noise complaint policies. Home occupancy limits. Parking rules and guidelines. Pet size and quantity limits. Short-term rental restrictions.
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.
The key differences between standing rules and bylaws therefore relate to both effect and scope: bylaws are more overarching and refer to procedures while standing rules tend to be more administrative and speak to specifics. Bylaws and standing rules are also hierarchical in nature: bylaws supersede standing rules.
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.
Many HOAs maintain a website where governing documents are posted. To find HOA rules and regulations online: Navigate to the HOA's official website. Look for sections labeled “Documents,” “Governing Documents,” or “Rules and Regulations.”
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.
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.
An HOA's governing documents are usually in the form of a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and bylaws. The CC&Rs explain the rules of the HOA community, while the bylaws cover how the HOA operates.
In some states, such as California, HOA bylaws are considered public record and must be made available upon request.