Know Your LawOR
Which Oregon Laws Govern Your HOA or Condo?
By The HOARebel Team · June 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Oregon homeowners in planned communities have a comprehensive statute that covers the full lifecycle of the association — and gives owners real, enforceable rights. Understanding which law applies to your community is the starting point. For your specific situation, a licensed Oregon attorney is the right resource. This is general information, not legal advice.
Planned communities: the Planned Communities Act (ORS 94.550–94.783)
Oregon's Planned Communities Act is the main state law governing homeowners associations in planned communities. It covers:
- Creation — how a planned community is formed and the declaration recorded
- Declarant control — the transition period before owners take over the association
- Association management — powers and duties of the homeowners association
- Records — the association's duty to keep and make documents available (ORS 94.670)
- Meetings — lot-owner meetings (ORS 94.650) and board meetings (ORS 94.644)
- Assessments and liens — the statutory priority lien for unpaid assessments (ORS 94.709)
- Enforcement and remedies — including attorney-fee recovery (ORS 94.780)
The Act applies to planned communities created under its framework, and to Class I planned communities created on or after January 1, 2002.
Condominiums: the Condominium Act (ORS ch. 100)
If you own a condominium, Oregon's Condominium Act (ORS ch. 100) governs instead. It is a separate, comprehensive statute with its own records, lien, and governance provisions — a licensed Oregon attorney can explain the distinctions.
The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Act (ORS ch. 65)
Most Oregon associations are incorporated as nonprofits under the Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Act (ORS ch. 65). That entity law supplies fiduciary duties, internal governance procedures, and member rights that supplement the Planned Communities Act.
How the layers fit
- The recorded governing documents — the declaration, bylaws, and rules. The Planned Communities Act sets the floor; governing documents can add to but cannot subtract statutory owner rights.
- The Planned Communities Act (ORS 94.550–94.783) for planned communities — or the Condominium Act (ORS ch. 100) for condominiums.
- The Nonprofit Corporation Act (ORS ch. 65) for incorporated associations.
- Federal law — the Fair Housing Act, ADA, SCRA, OTARD, and the Flag Act.
From records to fines to the assessment lien, the Planned Communities Act is the starting point for most Oregon homeowner questions.