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.
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).
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.
Filing a lawsuit against an HOA is typically done in small claims court. The first step is to determine how much compensation is required. Small claims is bound by a limit for damages, and any cases seeking damages above this amount must either waive the excess or file in regular court instead.
The CC&Rs must be recorded with the county recorder's office in order to create certain restrictions on the property and provide recorded notice of the contractual obligations on the deed to prospective buyers. You should be able to find a copy of the CC&Rs on your county assessor's official government website.
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.
An HOA has the authority to enforce the rules and regulations of the community using the community rules, or “bylaws and covenants.” These rules are considered “agreed upon” since homeowners approve them through board-elected representatives.
Homeowners' Associations in California need to be set up as a corporation and therefore must also adhere to the California Corporation Codes. These codes state that all community associations must be operated by a board of directors. Currently, no government agency regulates homeowners' associations.
HOAs are usually governed by a board of directors or governors that is elected by the homeowners to make decisions about the HOA and enforce its rules. Most HOAs in California are set up as nonprofit mutual benefit corporations, but some may be structured differently.