Clear, state-specific answers to the most common HOA governing document questions. Satellite dishes, parking, pets, solar, rentals, fines, and more.
Get answers from YOUR specific CC&Rs →27 questions covered. Select a state for state-specific rules.
No. Federal law (FCC OTARD rule) prohibits HOAs from banning satellite dishes under 1 meter in diameter. Your HOA can regulate placement but cannot effectively ban them.
HOAs can restrict parking on private community streets, driveways, and common areas. They cannot typically regulate parking on public streets — that is the city's jurisdiction.
Yes, HOAs can restrict pet breeds, sizes, and counts if stated in the CC&Rs. However, they must make reasonable accommodations for service animals and emotional support animals under the Fair Housing Act.
In most US states, HOAs cannot ban solar panels. Over 25 states have solar rights laws that void HOA prohibitions. Your HOA may still regulate placement, aesthetics, and require approval.
In California, Florida, Arizona, and several other states, HOAs cannot ban EV charger installation. They can regulate placement, safety standards, and require approval.
HOAs typically limit fence height to 4–6 feet in rear yards and 3–4 feet in front yards, restrict materials to wood, vinyl, or aluminum, and require written ARC approval before installation.
Yes, HOAs can ban Airbnb and short-term rentals if the restriction is in the CC&Rs or was properly adopted by the board. Courts have generally upheld these restrictions when consistently enforced.
Most exterior changes require written ARC approval: paint color, additions, pools, decks, outbuildings, landscaping changes, driveways, windows, roofing materials, and new structures.
HOA fines must follow a pre-adopted schedule. Most states cap fines at $100–$200 per day. You have the right to a hearing before fines are levied in most states.
HOAs can require lawn maintenance, restrict plants, and enforce landscaping standards. However, most western states protect your right to install drought-tolerant or water-saving landscaping despite HOA rules.
Yes, HOAs can restrict rentals if the CC&Rs say so. Common restrictions include minimum lease terms, rental percentage caps, HOA approval of tenants, and no-subleasing rules.
Most HOAs can restrict holiday decorations — limiting when they go up, when they must come down, and whether inflatables or excessive lighting are allowed. Many states protect flags and religious displays.
Many states protect your right to display political signs, limiting HOA authority. Timing (election-only periods) and size restrictions are often still allowed.
HOAs typically enforce noise rules through a complaint-and-notice process. Most have quiet hours (often 10 PM–7 AM), nuisance prohibitions, and a formal complaint procedure before fines begin.
Yes, most HOAs can ban commercial vehicles — work trucks, vehicles with company logos, panel vans — from driveways or community streets. What counts as "commercial" depends on your CC&Rs.
Most HOAs can ban RVs, boats, and trailers from driveways or streets. Many communities provide common storage areas, and some states limit how broadly these bans can apply.
Yes, most HOAs maintain an approved color palette and require written ARC approval before you repaint your home's exterior. Painting without approval can result in fines and a required repaint at your cost.
Most HOAs require ARC approval for pools, may ban above-ground pools, and require specific safety fencing. You will also need a building permit from your city — HOA approval does not replace it.
Most HOAs allow security cameras on your own home with limitations on placement, ARC approval for visible mounts, and restrictions on pointing cameras into neighboring private spaces.
Remote office work with no client visits, no signage, and no commercial vehicles is typically allowed. High-traffic businesses, visible commercial activity, or employees visiting may violate CC&Rs.
No. The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 prohibits HOAs from banning the American flag outright, though reasonable size and placement rules are allowed.
Yes, special assessments are almost always mandatory once properly approved. Refusing to pay can lead to late fees, interest, and eventually a lien on your property.
Yes. Nearly every state gives homeowners the right to inspect HOA financial records, budgets, contracts, and meeting minutes, usually with a written request and reasonable notice.
Yes, in most states an HOA can place a lien for unpaid dues and, if the debt remains unresolved, pursue foreclosure — even for relatively small balances in some states.
In drought-prone states like California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, HOAs generally cannot ban drought-tolerant landscaping or artificial turf outright, though they can regulate appearance and maintenance.
HOAs can usually require ARC approval and regulate placement, noise, and screening for generators, but some states limit their ability to ban them entirely, especially standby units.
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