Architectural Do I need approval before installing a new fence, shed, or patio cover?
Yes. Most HOAs require written architectural approval before any exterior change is visible from the street or shared areas.
Submit an Architectural Review Form (sometimes called an ARC or ACC application) to your board before any exterior modification — fences, sheds, patio covers, paint colors, new windows, solar panels, satellite dishes, and even some landscaping changes. Approval typically takes 30–60 days.
Your CC&Rs spell out the standards (height, materials, colors, setbacks). Skipping approval can trigger a violation notice and a fine, and the board can require you to undo the work at your own cost.
Architectural How long does architectural review take?
Most HOAs have 30–60 days to respond, though self-managed boards sometimes take longer.
State law (in many states) caps architectural review at 30–60 days from the date the board receives a complete application. If the board misses that window, the application is often deemed approved by default. If you're past 60 days with no response, check your state's HOA statute or contact the board to ask for a status update.
Dues When are HOA dues due, and what happens if I pay late?
Dues are due on the 1st of each month (or per your CC&Rs). Late payments usually trigger a fee and interest after 10–30 days.
Most HOAs bill on the 1st of each month with a grace period of 10–15 days. After that, expect a late fee (commonly $25–$50) plus monthly interest (often 8–12% APR). If dues remain unpaid for 60–90 days, the board may record a lien against your property, and prolonged delinquency can lead to foreclosure in some states.
If you can't pay on time, contact your treasurer before the due date — most boards will work out a payment plan rather than escalate.
Dues Can the board raise my dues mid-year?
Yes — most boards can raise dues annually with a majority vote, and some reserve the right for a special assessment.
Annual dues increases typically require a board vote and are announced 30–60 days before the new fiscal year. Special assessments (one-time charges for emergencies like a roof replacement or lawsuit) usually require a membership vote — check your CC&Rs for the quorum threshold.
If you receive a special assessment notice you believe is improper, request the meeting minutes where it was approved and confirm the vote count met your governing documents.
Violations I just received a violation notice. What should I do first?
Read the notice carefully — it usually lists the rule cited, a cure deadline (often 10–30 days), and the appeal process.
A proper notice will reference the specific CC&R section, describe the violation with photos or details, give you a reasonable cure window, and tell you how to appeal. Most boards must offer a hearing before imposing fines.
If you believe the notice is wrong, respond in writing before the cure deadline. Pay any undisputed cure work, document everything with timestamps, and request a hearing if the dispute continues. Ignoring a notice almost always escalates fines and can lead to a lien.
Violations Can the board fine me without giving me a chance to fix it?
No. Nearly every state requires notice and a cure period before fines start, and your CC&Rs usually require a hearing before the first fine.
The pattern is: notice → cure window → hearing → fine. If the board skipped any step, the fine may be unenforceable. If you missed the cure deadline, the board can usually proceed — but you can still request a hearing to dispute the underlying violation.
Save everything (emails, photos, payment receipts). Boards that skip required steps lose at internal appeals hearings more often than you'd think.
Minutes Can I see the minutes from past board meetings?
Yes — members have a right to inspect official records, including board meeting minutes, in nearly every state.
Minutes are typically posted (with a redaction for privacy/legal items) in a member portal, emailed in a monthly newsletter, or available on request from the secretary. Some HOAs require a written request and a small copying fee. Most states give you 10–30 days to receive the records.
If the board refuses or stalls, send a written request via certified mail citing your state's records-access statute. Persistent refusal can trigger personal liability for board members.
Minutes Why isn't everything discussed in the meeting recorded in the minutes?
Minutes record actions and decisions, not transcripts. Discussions and personalities are usually omitted on purpose.
Robert's Rules of Order (and most state laws) require minutes to capture who attended, motions made, votes taken, and decisions reached — not the discussion itself. Privacy and legal concerns also limit recording things like member-discipline hearings or attorney consultations.
If you want a fuller record, video recordings (where state law allows) and member attendance at meetings are usually the most reliable way to follow the discussion.
Quorum What is quorum and why does it matter for HOA votes?
Quorum is the minimum number of members who must be present (in person or by proxy) for a vote to be valid.
Without quorum, the board can't pass budgets, special assessments, or amendments to the CC&Rs. Quorum thresholds are set in your governing documents — typically 25–50% of members for membership votes and a majority of the board for board votes.
If too few members show up to annual meetings year after year, the same budget keeps getting approved by a tiny fraction of owners. If turnout is consistently low, you can request a vote-by-mail or electronic-voting change to your bylaws.
Quorum Can the board hold a meeting without quorum?
Board meetings usually require a quorum of directors, but committee meetings and informal discussions generally don't.
For board decisions (approving violations, signing contracts, setting the budget), a quorum of directors is required — typically a majority. If quorum is lost mid-meeting (a director walks out), the remaining directors usually can't vote on new business.
Annual and special membership meetings do require member quorum for any vote — most states treat votes at no-quorum meetings as void.
Elections How are board members elected, and how often?
Most HOAs elect directors at the annual meeting, with staggered 2- or 3-year terms so the whole board doesn't turn over at once.
Nominations are typically open 30–60 days before the annual meeting. Candidates may need a petition with signatures from a defined number of members. Voting can happen in person, by proxy, or by absentee ballot — most states now require some form of secret ballot for contested elections.
If you want to run, read your CC&Rs for the nomination timeline, then submit your candidacy to the election committee well before the deadline.
Elections Can I recall (remove) a board member before their term ends?
Yes, most CC&Rs allow a membership recall vote, but it usually requires a petition and a supermajority to pass.
Recalls are rare but possible. Typical process: collect signatures from 10–25% of members on a recall petition, then hold a special meeting or include the recall on the next annual meeting agenda. Approval thresholds usually run 60–75% of votes cast.
Recalls work best when you can document specific harm (consistent failure to disclose conflicts of interest, misuse of funds, ignoring quorum requirements). Personal disagreements rarely meet the bar.
General Who can I contact with a question that isn't covered here?
Reach out to your board's contact address — most HOAs publish a single email (often president@ or management@) for resident questions.
If your community is self-managed, the president or secretary usually fields questions. If you're professionally managed, the property manager is your first call — the board sets direction but the manager handles day-to-day operations.
For urgent issues (safety, flooding, broken gate, security), mark your message urgent. For slow-track items (bylaws interpretation), allow 2–4 weeks for a written response.
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