Free tool · Ohio
Is my HOA fine valid in Ohio?
Ohio’s Planned Community Act requires written notice with specific contents and a 10-day hearing right before a fine — and the charge can’t be imposed before a requested hearing is held.
This is general information, not legal advice, and it does not decide whether your fine is valid. For your specific situation, a licensed Ohio attorney is the right resource.
Check your notice
Answer a few questions about the Ohio fine or violation notice you received, and see how it compares to what the law requires.
What Ohio law requires before an HOA can fine you
Governing framework: Ohio Planned Community Act (ORC ch. 5312).
Before imposing an enforcement assessment or charge, the board must give written notice that includes the violation, the proposed amount, a statement that the owner has a right to a hearing, the procedure to request it, and a reasonable cure date where applicable.
“the owner has a right to a hearing” — ORC § 5312.11
Statute: ORC § 5312.11
The owner has 10 days after the notice to request a hearing in writing; if requested, the board must give at least 7 days’ advance notice and cannot impose the charge before the hearing.
Statute: ORC § 5312.11(D)
The Planned Community Act ties assessment authority back to the declaration; a charge for something the declaration doesn’t authorize is worth challenging.
Statute: ORC § 5312.11
Timing the Ohio statute sets
HOA disputes often turn on short statutory windows — these are worth knowing early.
10 days to request a hearing
The owner has 10 days after receiving the notice to deliver a written hearing request to the board.
ORC § 5312.11(D)
At least 7 days’ advance notice of the hearing
If a hearing is requested, the board must give at least 7 days’ advance notice of the hearing date and cannot impose the charge before the hearing.
ORC § 5312.11(D)