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Is my HOA fine valid in Indiana?

Since July 1, 2026, IC 32-25.5-3-12 has let an Indiana HOA fine a member for a covenant violation if the board first adopts a schedule of fines and then gives the member notice before the fine is assessed. The statute sets no dollar cap and no hearing, so the recorded CC&Rs and bylaws still fill in the rest. Members also have a statutory right to attend board meetings.

This is general information, not legal advice, and it does not decide whether your fine is valid. For your specific situation, a licensed Indiana attorney is the right resource.

Check your notice

Answer a few questions about the Indiana fine or violation notice you received, and see how it compares to what the law requires.

1.Has the board adopted a schedule of fines that lists this violation, its fine amount, and a maximum total fine for a single violation?

Under IC 32-25.5-3-12(c), an adopted schedule of fines is available to any member on request, in person, in writing, or by email.

2.Before the fine was assessed, did the board notify you of the violation, the fine amount, and the date the fine would be assessed?

For a recurring fine, the notice also has to say so and describe how the fine will be calculated.

3.Is this a recurring fine that has grown past the maximum stated in the schedule of fines?

4.Do your recorded CC&Rs actually authorize the board to fine for this conduct, in this amount, following the procedure the documents specify?

5.Where your CC&Rs require notice and a hearing (or set a maximum amount), did the board follow those limits?

6.Were you able to attend the board meeting where the fine was discussed or voted on?

Answer all questions to see your result.

What Indiana law requires before an HOA can fine you

Governing framework: Indiana Homeowners Associations Act (IC 32-25.5).

An Indiana HOA may fine a member for a covenant violation if the board first adopts a schedule of fines listing the violations, the fine for each, how any recurring fine is calculated, and a maximum aggregate fine for any single violation.

“a maximum aggregate fine amount for any single violation” — IC 32-25.5-3-12(a)

Statute: IC 32-25.5-3-12(a)

After adopting a schedule of fines, the board may assess a fine if it first notifies the member of the violation, the fine amount, the assessment date, and, for a recurring fine, how it will be calculated and assessed.

“if the board first provides notice to the member of” — IC 32-25.5-3-12(f)

Statute: IC 32-25.5-3-12(f)

A fine assessed on an ongoing or recurring basis may not exceed the maximum aggregate amount stated in the schedule of fines.

“may not exceed the maximum aggregate amount stated in the schedule of fines” — IC 32-25.5-3-12(a)(4)

Statute: IC 32-25.5-3-12(a)(4)

Beyond the IC 32-25.5-3-12 schedule and notice rules, the recorded CC&Rs and bylaws define which covenants can be enforced and any added procedure, such as a hearing.

Statute: IC 32-25.5-3-12; recorded CC&Rs

Indiana courts require boards to follow their own governing documents; a board can’t skip a required notice or hearing step or exceed a documented maximum.

Statute: recorded CC&Rs

Every member has the statutory right to attend any meeting of the HOA board.

“the right to attend any meeting of the homeowners association board” — IC 32-25.5-3-3

Statute: IC 32-25.5-3-3

Go deeper on Indiana HOA law

Sources

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available state law, which can change and varies by state. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your community's governing documents may impose additional requirements. Verify the current statutes and consult a licensed attorney in your state about your specific situation.