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.
Is there any way to get around HOA rules? While you can propose rule changes through proper channels, there's no legal way to simply ignore or “get around” the HOA's covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that you agreed to when purchasing in the community.
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.
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.
Homeowners often ask whether local laws supersede the rules and regulations set forth by their homeowner association (HOA). The short answer is yes, local laws do supersede HOA rules.
Finally, is an HOA considered a local government? No—HOAs are not considered a local government entity. While they do hold some administrative functions for a community, such as collecting assessments and enforcing rules, they do not possess the authority granted to real government bodies.