The Pennsylvania General Assembly enacted Act 115, which amends Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and impacts the governance of homeowners associations (also known as planned communities), inium associations and cooperatives in the Commonwealth.
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.
As Kriegstein explains, “In order to enforce an HOA rule, the association must have the authority to do so, as outlined in its governing documents. This may include the ability to impose fines or penalties for noncompliance or to take legal action against homeowners who refuse to comply.”
In general, homeowners can request HOA documents that cover the following: Governing documents, including the CC&Rs, bylaws, articles of incorporation, community plat, and operating rules; All board and membership meeting minutes and notices; Membership lists; All insurance policies of the association;
Consequences of Non-Compliance Fines and Penalties: HOAs have the authority to impose fines and penalties on homeowners who violate community rules. These fines can escalate over time if the violation persists, potentially leading to significant financial burdens for non-compliant homeowners.
No, there is not a way to ``leave the HOA'' without moving. The HOA covenants are tied to the property permanently.
For instance, in Pennsylvania, HOAs are regulated by the Uniformed Planned Community Act (UPCA). This act applies to all planned communities with more than 12 units and creates responsibilities for HOAs to oversee these communities. That said, HOAs typically have documents that regulate themselves.
Pennsylvania law now permits a four-day school week. Legislation signed into law in December amended the Pennsylvania School Code. Districts now can choose between 180 school days and hourly instruction requirements: 900 for elementary students and 990 for secondary students.