You bought a gorgeous home in a stunning community, but your new digs come with a catch. On top of your mortgage, you must pay a fee to your homeowner’s association. HOAs offer many benefits, like well-maintained streets, sidewalks, and recreation facilities like swimming pools and community centers.
With all those benefits come plenty of rules. Which begs the question, how far is the reach of HOA legal rights?
They Can Dictate the Color of Your House
Many HOAs obsess over the uniformity of the neighborhood. They want homes to have a similarly pleasing aesthetic. Therefore HOAs can, and often do, decide what color you can paint your house. Rules also often include roof styles or landscaping guidelines. The homeowners association regulations must be clear and concise in the contract all residents sign upon purchasing their house.
They Can Inspect Your Home
HOA officers may inspect your home for potential violations, but their power is limited. HOA legal rights are limited by what they include in the organization’s bylaws. Furthermore, any inspection fueled by race, religion or sexual orientation is illegal. Discrimination of any kind could result in serious legal consequences for the HOA. Everyone has a right to feel safe and welcome in their community.
Understanding HOA legal rights can help you understand your rights as a homeowner.
