HOA restrictions vary by community, but many associations implement similar rules to maintain property values and community standards. Understanding common restrictions helps you evaluate whether an HOA community is right for you.
Pet Restrictions
Pet restrictions are among the most common HOA rules. Typical restrictions include:
- Number Limits: Maximum number of pets per unit (often 2)
- Size Limits: Weight restrictions (e.g., pets under 25 pounds)
- Breed Restrictions: Prohibited breeds (often "aggressive" breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers)
- Type Restrictions: Only dogs and cats allowed, or specific types of animals
- Leash Requirements: Pets must be leashed in common areas
- Waste Cleanup: Owners must clean up after pets
- Noise Restrictions: Pets cannot create excessive noise
Note: Some breed restrictions may violate fair housing laws if they discriminate against assistance animals.
Parking Restrictions
Parking rules are common in HOAs to manage limited space and maintain aesthetics:
- Assigned Spaces: Vehicles must park in designated spaces
- Guest Parking: Limits on guest parking duration or frequency
- Vehicle Types: Restrictions on RVs, boats, trailers, commercial vehicles
- Inoperable Vehicles: Prohibitions on non-running vehicles
- Street Parking: Limits or prohibitions on street parking
- Commercial Vehicles: Restrictions on work trucks or commercial vehicles
- Overnight Parking: Rules about overnight guest parking
Rental Restrictions
Many HOAs limit rentals to maintain community character and property values:
- Rental Caps: Maximum percentage of units that can be rented (often 10-25%)
- Minimum Lease Terms: Required minimum lease duration (often 6-12 months)
- Short-Term Rental Bans: Prohibitions on Airbnb, VRBO, or rentals under 30 days
- Rental Approval: Requirements to register or get approval for rentals
- Owner Occupancy Requirements: Must live in unit for a period before renting
- Rental Fees: Fees for registering rentals or transferring leases
Exterior Modifications
HOAs typically control exterior appearance to maintain uniformity:
- Paint Colors: Approved color palettes for exteriors
- Landscaping: Requirements for lawns, trees, and plantings
- Fences: Height, material, and style restrictions
- Decorative Items: Limits on flags, signs, holiday decorations
- Satellite Dishes: Placement and size restrictions
- Solar Panels: Approval requirements or restrictions
- Window Treatments: Requirements for visible window coverings
- Doors: Style and color requirements for entry doors
Noise Restrictions
Quiet hours and noise limits are common:
- Quiet Hours: Typically 10 PM to 7 AM or similar
- Noise Levels: Decibel limits for music, parties, or activities
- Construction Hours: Limits on when construction or remodeling can occur
- Pet Noise: Requirements to control barking or other pet sounds
- Vehicle Noise: Restrictions on loud vehicles or motorcycles
Use Restrictions
HOAs often limit how properties can be used:
- Residential Use Only: Prohibitions on commercial activities
- Home Businesses: Restrictions on operating businesses from home
- Garage Sales: Limits on frequency or duration of sales
- Storage: Restrictions on storing items in yards or on patios
- Clotheslines: Prohibitions on outdoor clotheslines
- Trash Containers: Requirements for when trash cans can be visible
What Makes Restrictions Reasonable?
Reasonable restrictions typically:
- Serve a legitimate purpose (protect property values, maintain aesthetics)
- Are clearly written and specific
- Are consistently enforced
- Don't violate fair housing or other protected rights
- Are not arbitrary or capricious
- Balance individual rights with community interests
Red Flags in Restrictions
Watch out for restrictions that are:
- Extremely restrictive or limiting normal property use
- Vague or ambiguous
- Discriminatory or violate fair housing laws
- Inconsistently enforced
- Unreasonable or arbitrary
- Contradictory or conflicting
Before You Buy
When evaluating an HOA, consider:
- Review all restrictions in CC&Rs and bylaws
- Ask about enforcement history and strictness
- Consider how restrictions affect your lifestyle
- Check if restrictions are reasonable and enforceable
- Ask neighbors about their experiences with restrictions
- Consider future plans (renting, pets, modifications)
Your Rights
You have rights regarding restrictions:
- Right to receive documents before purchase
- Right to challenge unreasonable or illegal restrictions
- Right to due process in enforcement
- Right to fair and consistent enforcement
- Right to vote on new restrictions or amendments
Conclusion
Common HOA restrictions serve important purposes but can significantly impact your lifestyle. Before purchasing, thoroughly review all restrictions, understand how they're enforced, and ensure they align with your needs and plans. If restrictions seem unreasonable or would significantly limit your property use, consider whether the community is right for you.