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wikiHow to Fight Your HOA (Homeowner Association)

Four Parts:Understanding Your HOADocumenting Your Conflict with the HOAOpposing HOA Rules InternallyFighting Your HOA From the OutsideCommunity Q&A

A Homeowners Association (HOA) is usually a non-profit organization created to operate and maintain a residential community. Most HOAs are governed by a member-elected Board of Directors, who must follow the HOA’s internal rules.[1] These rules are typically outlined in the HOA’s governing documents, which can be in the form of bylaws, articles of incorporation, covenants, guidelines, and/or other HOA adopted policies. Because the HOA Board has the power to enforce these rules as they see fit, it can sometimes overstep its authority, attempting to enforce the rules in an arbitrary or unfair way. In these cases, fighting the HOA might be the appropriate course of action.


Understanding Your HOA

Documenting Your Conflict with the HOA

Opposing HOA Rules Internally

Fighting Your HOA From the Outside


 
Transfer a House Deed to a Family Member 
Squat in Abandoned Property 
File a Lien 
Evict a Tenant Without Rental Agreement 
Acquire Abandoned Property 
Rezone Property 
Subdivide Property 
Cancel a Real Estate Contract 
Find a Deed Online 
Claim Land


Show more... (1)


Categories: Property Law


Español: luchar contra tu Asociación de Propietarios, Italiano: Portare Avanti una Battaglia Contro un'Associazione di Proprietari Immobiliari (HOA) negli Stati Uniti, Русский: бороться с ассоциацией домовладельцев (ЖЕК)

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 346,203 times. Clinton M. Sandvick, J.D.
University of Wisconsin-Madison

This version of How to Fight Your HOA (Homeowner Association) was reviewed by Clinton M. Sandvick, J.D. on June 19, 2017.

Co-authors: 12
Views: 346,203
420 votes - 85%

Jann Moore

Jul 4, 2016

"Excellent help to anyone having difficulty with their HOA. I have read numerous questions from HOA members on the internet asking what they can do to defend themselves against their HOA. Many seem to have no idea of the options open to them. The specific, correct action steps are here. Thanks for writing this article."..." more

Glyn Roberts

Jul 27, 2016

"I found the article to be informative and unbiased, showing how both parties have to be responsible,and respectful to each other. By doing so, it makes community living more peaceful and tranquil, which is what we want around our homes. Neighbors for neighbors."..." more

Chris M.

Jul 12, 2016

"This article was helpful because it gave basic info on HOAs. I am from a state that doesn't have these, and I was not educated very much on them when we moved here and into this horrible situation. All they ever said was "read your covenants.""..." more

LaTanya Brown


"I am so glad I clicked on this article. This is my first home and I wasn't sure how the HOA process really worked. Reading the questions and answers really gave me a better understanding of my rights as a homeowner."..." more

Wilfredo Martinez

Oct 3, 2016

"This article gave me some insight on what I need to do. I am being abused and singled out by the HOA, They continue to harass me and won't stop making false claims. I just don't know how to put an end to this abuse."..." more

Joan Henderson


"Simple guidelines to follow regarding HOA disputes. Particularly the right of a homeowner to gather signatures of other HOA owners and file the petition with the Board."..." more

Wynne Scott

Aug 24, 2016

"There are a lot of questions that are answered now that I didn't know before. I did not know that they could foreclose on your property."..." more

Tony Utomi

Apr 11, 2016

"Very informative and educational. This site gives me the answers to why the HOA is so powerful in the neighborhoods."..." more

Linda Rodriquez

Sep 20

"Small claims court and outside audit helped as most people are not aware of these rights. Thank you!"

Dennis Ballard

Sep 28, 2016

"Advice in handling HOA disputes helped, and knowing what my rights are."

Keith Bailey

Jul 20, 2016

"Didn't know anything about the functioning of an HOA."

Lisa Davis

Jul 14, 2016

"Very helpful and essential to my situation."

Liz Geary

Apr 27, 2016

"This article is very informative!"

