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' associations may impose fines on parcel owners in a community if they violate the rules and regulations specified in the governing documents. The association is also allowed to impose fines for late or non-payment of assessments.
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. These can be helpful if your HOA participates in such programs.
The only way to force an HOA to enforce the rules is file for arbitration against the HOA or gain support from neighbors and recall the board. There is no FL government sector that watches over HOAs.
The local law supersedes the rules and regulations of the HOA, meaning that HOAs must ensure they are operating under the law.
No, there is not a way to ``leave the HOA'' without moving. The HOA covenants are tied to the property permanently.
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.”
What are unenforceable HOA rules? Keep you out of court. Hush up litigation. Discriminate indiscriminately. Enter your home without cause or notice. String you out on the (clothes)line. Fine you for fun. Change rules on the fly. Demand you take down your dish.
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.