HOA rules & fees
HOA Fees and Rules: What New Homeowners Need to Know
HOA fees explained: what dues pay for, how reserves and special assessments work, how to read CC&Rs and bylaws, and how fines, liens and disputes work.
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HOA rules & fees
If you bought a condo, townhouse or a home in a planned community, you probably belong to a homeowners association. Its documents are a binding contract, and its budget affects your monthly costs for as long as you own.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refuse to pay HOA fees?
Generally no. If your home is in a mandatory association, dues are a legal obligation in the governing documents, and unpaid dues can lead to fines, collection and a lien on your home, depending on state law.
What is a special assessment?
A one-time charge the HOA bills owners when the budget or reserves cannot cover a cost, such as a new roof for a condo building. Well-funded reserves make special assessments less likely.
Who regulates HOAs?
Mostly state law and the association's own documents. A few states have an HOA ombudsman or a state agency that takes complaints; in most others, disputes go through the HOA's internal process or the courts.
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