Topic · every state
Which Laws Govern Your HOA? State Statutes, Explained
No single law governs an HOA. Most communities answer to a state HOA or planned-community statute, the state's nonprofit corporation act, federal laws like the Fair Housing Act, and the community's own CC&Rs and bylaws, and condominiums usually fall under a separate act. Sorting out which framework applies is the first step in reading any rule. These guides do that state by state, with the statute quoted, and explain who, if anyone, regulates associations. For how the law applies to your community, a licensed attorney in your state is the right resource.
Start with the nationwide picture
The general rules that hold in most states, before the state detail.
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.
Know Your LawCan I Leave My HOA?
In most planned communities, HOA membership is tied to owning the property and can't be resigned while you own it. What that means and what options exist.
Free resource
Compare all 50 states
Fine limits, records deadlines, and hearing rules for every state in one table, with each cell linked to the statute.
Which HOA laws apply, state by state
Articles for 46 of the 49 states covered so far; the others link to the state guide, which explains the governing statute.
Looking for a different question? Browse every topic or start from your state guide.