HOA Research Center

Comprehensive resources to help you make informed decisions about HOA living

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Try searching for: "fees", "rules", "bylaws", "amenities", "maintenance"

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Financial Considerations

HOA fees, special assessments, budgeting, and financial health

Rules & Regulations

CC&Rs, bylaws, restrictions, and enforcement

Amenities & Facilities

Pools, gyms, parks, and community spaces

Maintenance & Repairs

Property maintenance, landscaping, and repairs

Governance & Board

HOA boards, meetings, voting, and decision-making

Legal & Rights

Your rights, disputes, and legal considerations

Research Articles

30 comprehensive guides and resources

Understanding HOA Fees

Learn about monthly dues, what they cover, and how fees are determined. Understand the difference between regular assessments and special assessments.

Financial
Special Assessments Explained

What are special assessments, when do they occur, and how to prepare for them. Learn how to evaluate if an assessment is reasonable.

Financial
HOA Financial Health

How to evaluate an HOA's financial stability and reserve fund adequacy. Learn to read financial statements and identify red flags.

Financial
Budgeting for HOA Fees

How to incorporate HOA fees into your home buying budget. Calculate total cost of ownership including fees and assessments.

Financial
Reserve Fund Analysis

Understanding reserve funds, how they're calculated, and what adequate funding looks like. Learn to spot underfunded reserves.

Financial
CC&Rs: What You Need to Know

Understanding Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions and their impact on your property. Learn what's enforceable and what's not.

Rules
Common HOA Restrictions

Typical rules regarding pets, parking, rentals, and exterior modifications. Know what restrictions are common and reasonable.

Rules
Rule Enforcement

How rules are enforced, violation processes, and your rights. Understand the difference between reasonable and unreasonable enforcement.

Rules
Architectural Review Committees

What ARC approval means, when you need it, and how to navigate the approval process for home modifications.

Rules
Pet Policies in HOAs

Common pet restrictions, breed limitations, and weight limits. Understand your rights and what to expect.

Rules
Community Amenities Guide

What amenities to expect, usage rules, and maintenance responsibilities. Learn what amenities add value and what they cost.

Amenities
Amenity Costs

How amenities affect HOA fees and what you're paying for. Understand the true cost of community facilities.

Amenities
Pool and Recreation Facilities

Rules, hours, guest policies, and maintenance for community pools and recreational areas.

Amenities
Fitness Centers and Gyms

What to expect from HOA fitness facilities, equipment quality, and usage policies.

Amenities
Community Spaces and Event Rooms

How to reserve community spaces, rental fees, and policies for private events.

Amenities
HOA vs. Owner Maintenance

Understanding what the HOA maintains versus your responsibilities. Know the boundaries of maintenance obligations.

Maintenance
Landscaping Standards

Common landscaping requirements and maintenance expectations. Learn about approved plants and design guidelines.

Maintenance
Exterior Maintenance Responsibilities

Who handles roofing, siding, painting, and exterior repairs. Understand maintenance schedules and responsibilities.

Maintenance
Common Area Maintenance

What common areas are maintained by the HOA and what level of maintenance to expect.

Maintenance
Emergency Repairs

How emergency repairs are handled, response times, and who pays for urgent maintenance issues.

Maintenance
HOA Board Structure

How HOA boards work, board member roles, and decision-making processes. Understand board powers and limitations.

Governance
Attending HOA Meetings

What to expect at meetings, how to participate, and your voting rights. Learn how to make your voice heard.

Governance
Running for HOA Board

How to run for the board, what's involved, and what to expect if elected. Understand the time commitment and responsibilities.

Governance
HOA Bylaws and Governing Documents

Understanding bylaws, articles of incorporation, and other governing documents. Know what documents to review.

Governance
Property Management Companies

When HOAs use management companies, what they do, and how they affect your experience as a homeowner.

Governance
Your Rights as a Homeowner

Understanding your legal rights and protections in an HOA. Know what the HOA can and cannot do.

Legal
Resolving HOA Disputes

Steps to resolve conflicts with your HOA board or neighbors. Learn about mediation, arbitration, and legal options.

Legal
HOA Lien and Foreclosure

Understanding when HOAs can place liens, foreclosure processes, and how to protect yourself from aggressive collection.

Legal
Fair Housing and Discrimination

Your rights under fair housing laws and how they apply to HOAs. Know what constitutes discrimination.

Legal
Rental Restrictions and Your Rights

Understanding rental restrictions, short-term rental policies, and your rights as a property owner.

Legal