Что такое HOA (Homeowners Association)?

A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a private organization established to manage and maintain a planned residential community, condominium complex, or townhome development. When you purchase a property governed by an HOA, membership is typically mandatory and you are legally bound by its rules, called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). HOAs are governed by an elected board of directors made up of community members and operate under bylaws and state law.

HOAs collect regular dues — monthly, quarterly, or annually — to fund maintenance of common areas (pools, landscaping, streets, clubhouses), exterior upkeep in attached communities, insurance on shared structures, and a reserve fund for future major repairs. Average HOA fees in the U.S. range from $200 to $400 per month for condominiums and less for single-family planned communities, though luxury or high-amenity communities can charge far more. In addition to regular dues, HOAs can levy special assessments — one-time charges for unexpected large expenses like roof replacement or parking lot repaving.

The CC&Rs dictate what owners can and cannot do with their properties: paint colors, fence heights, holiday decorations, short-term rental restrictions, pet limits, parking rules, and much more. Violations can result in fines, and persistent delinquency — either on dues or assessments — can result in the HOA placing a lien on the property. In some states, HOA liens can even lead to foreclosure, independent of the mortgage lender.