HOA (Homeowners Association)

A governing body in a residential community — such as a condo complex, townhouse development, or planned neighborhood — that sets and enforces rules about property modifications, maintenance, and shared spaces.

An HOA (homeowners association) is an organisation that manages and enforces rules for a residential community. If you live in a condo, co-op, townhouse, or planned development, there is a good chance your property is governed by an HOA. Before starting any renovation, you need to understand what your HOA allows — and what it does not.

How an HOA affects your renovation

Most HOAs have a set of rules called CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) that control what changes you can make to your property. These may restrict:

  • Exterior changes — paint colours, window styles, roofing materials, fencing, landscaping
  • Structural modifications — removing walls, adding rooms, enclosing balconies or patios
  • Noise and working hours — when contractors can work (e.g., no work before 8 AM or on Sundays)
  • Material deliveries — where skips or dumpsters can be placed and for how long
  • Common area impact — use of elevators for material transport, protection of shared hallways

Getting HOA approval

Most HOAs require written approval before renovation work begins. The typical process:

  1. Submit a renovation application describing the planned work, often with drawings or a scope of work
  2. Provide details of your general contractor, including insurance and licensing
  3. The HOA board or architectural review committee reviews the application
  4. Approval is granted (sometimes with conditions), denied, or returned with questions
  5. Work begins only after written approval is received

Approval timelines vary — some HOAs respond within days, others take weeks. Factor this into your project schedule.

What happens if you skip HOA approval

Renovating without HOA approval can result in:

  • Fines — daily or one-time penalties
  • Stop-work orders — the HOA can require you to halt construction
  • Forced reversal — you may be required to undo the unapproved work at your own expense
  • Legal action — the HOA can pursue legal remedies if you refuse to comply

Always check your CC&Rs and submit the required applications before any work begins, even for projects that seem minor. What you consider a simple upgrade may require formal approval under your HOA’s rules.