The HOA board is responsible for running the association, including duties such as collecting dues, enforcing the rules, and maintaining the common areas. It is equally important for a board to understand the various HOA laws in Virginia that apply to their communities.
Who governs homeowners associations in Virginia? HOAs are subject to a number of state, federal, and local laws and are governed by a common interest community board that creates and enforces certain rules and regulations contained in the HOA's governing documents.
Access to association records; association meetings; notice. A. The association shall keep detailed records of receipts and expenditures affecting the operation and administration of the association.
The Virginia Property Owners' Association Act covers policies mostly for the common areas of a residential development in Virginia. The seller is obligated to provide a written copy of all association documents before a buyer purchases a home. A buyer may cancel within three days of receiving the association documents.
§ 55.1-1805. The Common Interest Community Board may assess a monetary penalty for a violation of this section against any (a) association pursuant to § 54.1-2351 or (b) common interest community manager pursuant to § 54.1-2349, and may issue a cease and desist order pursuant to § 54.1-2352.
A homeowners association in Virginia can restrict rentals but not without the express authority to do so. That means HOAs are permitted to limit or prohibit rentals provided such provisions are duly adopted in their declaration or CC&Rs.
The association will likely go into receivership. Any homeowner or creditor can take legal action against the HOA. Once it is clear that no one on the board will serve as the association's representative, the court will appoint a receiver.
Homeowners can sue a board member of an HOA in Virginia if they believe there has been a violation of the governing documents or state law. Legal action must be based on specific grievances, such as breach of fiduciary duty or failure to follow the association's rules.
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.