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Articles
Practical guides for homeowners dealing with their HOA — what to look up, what to ask, and where the law lives. We help you find the answers, not hand them to you.
Who Regulates HOAs?
There's no single national HOA regulator — oversight is mostly state law enforced through the courts, with limited agency roles that vary by state. Here's the landscape — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
GeneralWhat Happens If I Stop Paying HOA Dues?
Unpaid HOA dues trigger a predictable escalation — from late fees to liens to potential foreclosure. The timeline and protections vary by state. Here's what to expect.
May 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Governing DocumentsWhat Are CC&Rs and Are They Legally Binding?
CC&Rs are the recorded covenants that govern an HOA community — and in most states they bind every owner as enforceable equitable servitudes. Here's what that means — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Assessments & DuesHow Much Can My HOA Raise Dues?
Some states cap how far an HOA can raise regular assessments without a member vote; others leave it to the governing documents. Here's how dues increases generally work — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
GeneralDo I Have to Pay My HOA Fine?
Whether an HOA fine is legally enforceable depends on how it was imposed and your state's rules. Here's what affects whether a fine must be paid — and what defenses exist.
May 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Parking & VehiclesCan My HOA Tow My Car?
An HOA's power to tow depends on its governing documents, who owns the road or lot, and your state's towing laws. Here's how those pieces fit together — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
ArchitecturalCan My HOA Tell Me What Color to Paint My House?
Most HOAs can regulate exterior paint colors through architectural-control provisions in the CC&Rs — but the power has limits. Here's how it generally works — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
GeneralCan My HOA Prevent Me From Renting My Home?
Whether an HOA can stop you from renting depends on your governing documents, your state's law, and when the restriction was adopted. Here's how the rules generally work — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 3 min read
GeneralCan My HOA Foreclose on My Home?
In most U.S. states, yes — but significant procedural protections apply, and the rules vary sharply depending on your state. Here's what homeowners need to understand.
May 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Free Speech & DisplayCan My HOA Ban the American Flag?
A federal law — the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 — limits an HOA's ability to ban the U.S. flag, though reasonable time, place, and manner rules can still apply. Informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Property RightsCan My HOA Ban Solar Panels?
Many states have 'solar rights' laws that void HOA covenants banning solar panels, though reasonable restrictions can survive. Here's how those laws generally work — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Free Speech & DisplayCan My HOA Ban Political Signs?
The First Amendment usually doesn't bind a private HOA — protection for political signs comes from state statutes, which vary. Here's how that generally works — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Pets & AnimalsCan My HOA Ban My Pet?
HOAs can often restrict pets through their governing documents, but federal fair-housing law carves out assistance animals for people with disabilities. Here's how that works — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Disputes & RemediesCan I Sue My HOA?
Homeowners can often sue an HOA over its governing documents or conduct, but many states require pre-suit mediation or arbitration first. Here's how that generally works — informational, not legal advice.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
GeneralCan I Leave My HOA?
In most planned communities, HOA membership is tied to property ownership — you can't resign while you own the home. Here's what that means and what options exist.
May 25, 2026 · 4 min read