HOA Glossary
Learn common HOA terms and definitions
A
ARC
GovernanceArchitectural Review Committee - A group that reviews and approves or denies homeowner requests for exterior modifications to ensure compliance with community standards.
Amenities
PropertyFeatures and facilities provided by the HOA for residents' use, such as pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, clubhouses, and playgrounds.
Annual Meeting
GovernanceA yearly gathering of HOA members to elect board members, review financials, discuss community issues, and vote on important matters.
Architectural Review
GovernanceThe process by which the HOA reviews and approves or denies requests for exterior modifications to homes, such as additions, paint colors, or landscaping changes.
Assessment
FinancialA charge levied against homeowners to cover the costs of maintaining common areas, amenities, and services within the community. Assessments may be regular (monthly/quarterly) or special (one-time for major projects).
B
Board of Directors
GovernanceThe elected group of homeowners responsible for managing the HOA, making decisions about the community, enforcing rules, and overseeing the budget.
Bylaws
LegalThe rules governing the internal operations of the HOA, including board elections, meeting procedures, and officer duties.
C
CC&Rs
LegalCovenants, Conditions & Restrictions - The governing documents that outline the rules, regulations, and restrictions for property owners in the community. These are legally binding.
Common Areas
PropertyShared spaces owned and maintained by the HOA, such as pools, clubhouses, parks, landscaping, roads, and other amenities available to all residents.
D
Declarant
LegalThe developer or builder who originally created the HOA and recorded the governing documents. The declarant often retains certain rights during the development phase.
Deed Restriction
LegalA limitation on the use of property that is recorded in the deed and runs with the land, binding all future owners.
Delinquency
FinancialThe status of an account when HOA assessments or other charges are past due and unpaid.
Due Process
GovernanceThe fair procedures that must be followed before the HOA can take action against a homeowner, including proper notice and opportunity to be heard.
E
Easement
LegalA legal right to use another person's property for a specific purpose, such as utility lines or shared driveways.
Executive Session
GovernanceA closed meeting of the board to discuss sensitive matters such as legal issues, personnel, or delinquent accounts. No votes can be taken in executive session.
F
Fiduciary Duty
GovernanceThe legal obligation of board members to act in the best interest of the HOA and its members, managing funds responsibly and making decisions for the community's benefit.
Fine
EnforcementA monetary penalty imposed on homeowners for violating HOA rules or CC&Rs after proper notice and hearing procedures.
G
Governing Documents
LegalThe collection of legal documents that establish and regulate the HOA, including CC&Rs, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and Rules & Regulations.
H
HOA
GeneralHomeowners Association - A private organization that manages a residential community, establishes and enforces rules, and maintains common areas.
Homeowner
GeneralA person who owns property within the HOA community and is automatically a member of the association.
L
Lien
FinancialA legal claim against a property for unpaid HOA assessments or fines. A lien can affect the owner's ability to sell or refinance the property.
Lot
PropertyAn individual parcel of land within the HOA community, typically where a home is built. Each lot owner is a member of the HOA.
M
Maintenance Fee
FinancialThe regular payment required from homeowners to fund the HOA's operating expenses and reserve contributions.
Management Company
GovernanceA professional company hired by the HOA to handle day-to-day operations, financial management, and administrative tasks.
Master Association
GovernanceAn umbrella HOA that governs multiple sub-associations within a larger planned community.
Meeting Minutes
GovernanceThe official written record of what occurred during HOA board or member meetings, including motions, votes, and discussions.
Member
GeneralAny property owner within the HOA community who has voting rights and responsibilities as defined in the governing documents.
N
Notice of Violation
EnforcementA formal letter sent to a homeowner informing them of a rule violation and the steps needed to correct it.
O
Open Meeting
GovernanceA board meeting that all HOA members are entitled to attend and observe, though they may not participate unless invited.
Operating Budget
FinancialThe HOA's annual financial plan that outlines expected income (assessments) and expenses (maintenance, insurance, utilities, etc.).
P
Plat
PropertyA detailed map of the community showing lot boundaries, common areas, easements, and other property divisions recorded with the county.
Property Manager
GovernanceThe individual or company responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of the community on behalf of the HOA.
Proxy
GovernanceWritten authorization allowing one person to vote on behalf of another at HOA meetings when the owner cannot attend.
Q
Quorum
GovernanceThe minimum number of members or board members required to be present to conduct official HOA business at a meeting.
R
Reserve Fund
FinancialMoney set aside by the HOA for major repairs, replacements, and improvements to common areas and amenities (roof replacement, road repaving, etc.).
Reserve Study
FinancialA professional analysis that evaluates the condition of common area components and calculates how much should be saved in reserves for future repairs and replacements.
Rules and Regulations
LegalDetailed guidelines adopted by the board that supplement the CC&Rs and govern daily living in the community.
S
Self-Managed HOA
GovernanceAn HOA that is managed by volunteer homeowners rather than a professional management company.
Special Assessment
FinancialA one-time charge to homeowners for unexpected expenses or major projects not covered by the regular budget or reserve fund.
T
Transfer Fee
FinancialA fee charged when property ownership changes hands, often covering administrative costs and document preparation.
V
Variance
GovernanceAn official exception to HOA rules granted by the board, allowing a homeowner to deviate from standard requirements under specific circumstances.
Violation Notice
EnforcementA formal written notification to a homeowner that they have violated HOA rules, typically including a description of the violation and required corrective action.
Voting Member
GovernanceA homeowner in good standing who has the right to vote on HOA matters as specified in the governing documents.
43 terms