Let’s be real: HOAs (Homeowners Associations) are one of those things people either love or hate. And honestly? Most lean toward hate — but that doesn’t mean they’re not important, and they certainly aren’t optional if the property you want is in one.
Whether you’re buying in a suburban neighborhood, a gated community, or especially a townhome or condo, chances are you’ll be dealing with an HOA. And while they serve a purpose — maintaining uniformity, keeping up appearances, and protecting property values — they also come with rules. Lots of them. Some are reasonable. Some? Not so much.
And not knowing those rules before you buy can come back to bite you — hard.
What Are CC&Rs?
When you buy into an HOA community, you’re agreeing to follow the CC&Rs:
Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions.
This is usually a 100–200+ page legal document that lays out everything from how high your grass can grow to whether or not you can park a work truck in your own driveway. It also includes:
- Architectural guidelines
- Rules on exterior paint colors
- Fencing and landscaping restrictions
- Limits on rentals or Airbnbs
- Pet restrictions
- Quiet hours and more
Yes, it’s dry reading — but you must read it. Get a yellow highlighter and go to work. Because once you close, you’re stuck with it.
Common Rules That Surprise (and Frustrate) Buyers
Here are some real examples of HOA restrictions we’ve seen blow up on buyers after they closed:
- You’re a plumber with a work truck labeled with your company name.
❌ The HOA says it’s a “commercial vehicle” — and you’re not allowed to park it in the driveway.
Now you have to park blocks away… or rent storage. - You own a small boat or jet skis.
❌ Not allowed in your yard or driveway.
Must be stored off-site — another $100–$200/mo. - You plan to add a deck, pool, or even just change the landscaping.
❌ Must be pre-approved by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
Some only meet once a month and may reject your plans if they don’t match the “community standard.” - Your new home has a beautiful chandelier, (Exterior) but the seller takes it down and replaces it before closing.
❌ That might be allowed if it wasn’t listed as an included fixture and wasn’t caught at the final walkthrough.
(This ties into both HOA rules and contract clarity — see earlier sections.)
Surprise Assessments = Budget Breakers
This one’s huge: Even if the monthly HOA dues are manageable (say, $100–$200/month), you need to check for upcoming “special assessments.”
A special assessment is a one-time charge to cover big-ticket repairs or upgrades like:
- Resurfacing the community pool
- Replacing roofs across a condo complex
- Repaving private roads or driveways
- Renovating the clubhouse or security gate
These can run into the thousands — and you’ll be expected to pay your share, either up front or added to your monthly dues.
Always check the HOA disclosure package for:
- Current and past meeting minutes
- The annual budget
- Reserve studies (to see if the HOA has enough money in savings)
- Any upcoming or discussed assessments
Even if the assessment hasn’t been officially announced yet, if it’s mentioned in the board minutes, you’ll know it’s coming — and can plan accordingly.
Other Things to Look For in the HOA Docs:
- Are you allowed to rent out the home?
- What if you get transferred for work next year?
- Can you use it as an Airbnb or short-term rental?
Some HOAs ban it outright. - Are there quiet hours?
- Do you need permission to install security cameras?
- Can you build a shed, put up holiday lights, or even plant a garden?
You’d be shocked at what’s restricted in some neighborhoods.
How to Protect Yourself
Most contracts do require the seller to provide the full HOA package — but it’s often 100+ pages and delivered late. So make sure your agent:
- Requests the HOA documents immediately after your offer is accepted
- Adds a clause giving you extra time to review them, if needed
- Makes your offer contingent on HOA review and acceptance
Once you get them:
- Read the CC&Rs carefully.
- Review all meeting minutes, budgets, and assessment notices.
- Highlight anything that could be a deal-breaker for you.
- Ask questions early — not the day before closing.
Final Thought
HOA rules aren’t just suggestions. They’re legally binding — and they can affect everything from where you park to whether you can paint your front door.
At House Karma, we walk through all of this with you. Our brokers know what to look for and where the red flags hide. But this is your life — so be informed, read everything, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Skipping the HOA fine print is one of the most common and costly mistakes first-time buyers make.
Don’t let that be you.
