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.”
Homeowners' associations in Washington are governed by the WUCIOA. This act applies to all common interest communities, including planned developments and iniums.
State law: Washington state has laws that specifically grant HOAs and COA (inium Owner Associations) the authority to create and enforce CC&Rs.
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.
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.
HOA governing documents are public record in Washington. An HOA must record its governing documents with the county land records to be enforceable.
A common element is defined as all portions of the property except the units. Examples of common elements include fitness centers, elevators, lobbies, walkways, lighting in common hallways, garbage collection areas, swimming pools, landscaping, club houses, and more.
HOAs may ask homeowners to do something or keep you from doing something not officially covered in the CC&Rs. In such cases, homeowners may want to take legal action against the HOA by filing a lawsuit.
Typically, an HOA board must send adequate notice to members of the vote for dissolution. The members will then vote using the method/s that state laws and the bylaws allow. If the vote passes, then the HOA will dissolve.