HOA glossary

Common terms you will meet in HOA notices, governing documents and statutes. Exact rules differ by state; follow the links to compare.

Homeowners association (HOA): An organization, usually a nonprofit corporation, that manages a planned community's shared property and enforces its governing documents. In most communities, membership comes automatically with owning a home there. Compare by state →
Condominium association: The association that manages a condominium's common elements. Each owner owns their own unit and a share of the common elements, such as hallways, roofs and grounds. In Ontario this body is called a condominium corporation.
Strata corporation: The British Columbia term for the owners' corporation of a strata property, similar to a condominium association elsewhere. It is run by an elected strata council.
Declaration (CC&Rs): The recorded document that creates the community and sets its covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs): what owners may and may not do with their property. It binds current and future owners.
Bylaws: The rules for how the association runs itself: how directors are elected, how meetings are called and how votes are taken.
Rules and regulations: More detailed rules adopted by the board, for example on parking, pools or trash. They must stay within the authority given by the declaration and state law.
Governing documents: The declaration, articles of incorporation, bylaws and rules, read together. State statutes apply on top of them, and many statutes override conflicting provisions.
Common areas: Property owned or maintained by the association for all members, such as roads, parks, pools and clubhouses. In a condominium they are called common elements.
Board of directors: Owners elected to manage the association's business, adopt budgets and rules, and enforce the governing documents.
Assessment: The amount each owner pays to fund the association's budget, usually monthly, quarterly or yearly. Some states limit how much regular assessments can rise without a vote. Compare by state →
Special assessment: A one-time charge on top of regular assessments, often for major repairs or a budget shortfall. The governing documents and state law decide how it must be approved. Compare by state →
Fine: A money penalty for breaking the governing documents. Many states regulate fines: the notice the owner must receive, whether a hearing is required, and how large fines may be. Compare by state →
Notice and hearing: The owner's right to be told about an alleged violation and to be heard before a penalty is imposed. Statutes set who holds the hearing and how much notice is required. Compare by state →
Lien: A legal claim recorded against a property for money owed, such as unpaid assessments. Some statutes limit whether fines can become a lien. Fla. Stat. 720.305 →
Architectural review committee (ARC): A committee that reviews owners' requests to change the exterior of their home, such as additions, fences, paint colors or landscaping. Compare by state →
Internal dispute resolution (IDR): An informal meeting between an owner and the association to try to settle a dispute. Some states require associations to offer it. Compare by state →
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR): Settling a dispute outside court through mediation or arbitration. Some states require it before certain lawsuits can be filed. Compare by state →
Official records: The association's books, minutes, contracts and other documents. Many states give owners a right to inspect and copy them within a set time. Compare by state →
Reserve fund: Money set aside for future major repairs and replacements, such as roofs or paving. A reserve study estimates how much is needed.
Estoppel certificate: A statement from the association, usually requested when a home is sold, confirming the amounts the owner currently owes.
Quorum: The minimum number of members or directors who must take part for a meeting's decisions to be valid.
Proxy: A written authorization letting another person vote on an owner's behalf at a meeting.
OTARD rule: A federal rule of the Federal Communications Commission that limits restrictions on satellite dishes and certain antennas that owners install on property they control. 47 C.F.R. 1.4000 →