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.
Federal Law Supersedes State Law. While a municipality can write local laws they can be stricter than the State law (as long as they do not run counter to the State or U.S. Constitution) But cannot contradict state law.
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.
In Philadelphia, PA, homeowner associations (HOAs) must comply with both state and federal regulations. Enforcing the rules and resolving disputes are key responsibilities of an HOA. These tasks ensure fair treatment and address any violations within the community.
The local law supersedes the rules and regulations of the HOA, meaning that HOAs must ensure they are operating under the law.
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;
Location: Fees are generally higher in urban areas like Philadelphia compared to suburban regions such as the Main Line. Age and Condition of the Building: Older buildings may require more maintenance, leading to higher fees.
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.
Which state has the most HOAs? In 2024, Florida has the most homes belonging to HOAs. Out of 8.9 million homes in Florida, 3.9 million of those are in HOAs–which is about 45%. This number is closely followed by Colorado, with 893K homes in HOAs out of 2.3 million homes–a rate of 38.6%.