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.
HOAs have power because the association grants them rights and privileges. An HOA's power comes from the documents that created the association. It gives the HOA the ability to set rules and regulations for the building or community. The documents also give the HOA the ability to enforce those rules.
Homeowners' Associations in New York, or otherwise known as Common Interest Communities, are regulated by the Attorney General's office and must be set up as non-profit organizations. They are governed by NY Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, the Association's Articles of Declaration, and Bylaws.
You could start an HOA with the homeowners who consent, of course. And you can try to talk all owners into it by explaining the value they will receive. Depending on the facts, it may or may not be a tough sell. Ordinarily, the purpose of an HOA is to restrict what people can do with their properties.
HOA Approval: 8 Tips to Quickly Get to Yes! Review your Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. Speak with your Neighborhood's Property Manager. Obtain a List of Pre-Approved Colors or Get Guidance on your Options. Don't be a Copy Cat. Going Without Guidance. Add Time for the Approval Process. Build Your Case.
To comply with New York law, there are three primary pathways to establish an HOA: obtaining a no-action letter under 13 NYCRR Section 22.8, utilizing the Cooperative Policy Statement No. 7 (CPS-7), or filing an offering plan pursuant to 13 NYCRR Part 22 (Part 22).
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.
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.
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.
Generally, it is the laws that were in effect at the time the HOA documents were recorded. Your HOA documents are contracts between the HOA and its members so new laws cannot, generally, be applied retroactively to override them.