--- title: Refresh Your Memory of the Rules in Your Homeowners Association description: Are you abiding by the rules in your homeowners association? Refresh your memory by reading the governing documents. image: https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/know%20the%20rules%20shutterstock_1189124440.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association#main-content) [OWNER PORTAL](https://www.hignellhoa.com/owner-portal)|[CALL (530) 419‑6032](tel:5304196032)[![GET A FREE HOA ANALYSIS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/5c25c044-6299-494a-9ee9-03dd5dfc13a5)[![PURCHASE CONSULTING HOURS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/47820439/3958a588-baae-4ff9-bd9d-021be597a7be) Close ** Click to close ![Refresh Your Memory of the Rules in Your Homeowners Association](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/know%20the%20rules%20shutterstock_1189124440.jpg) [Member of HOAMember of HOA](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/member-of-hoa), [HOA Rules and RegulationsHOA Rules and Regulations](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/hoa-rules-and-regulations), [Living in an HOALiving in an HOA](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/living-in-an-hoa) --- # Refresh Your Memory of the Rules in Your Homeowners Association By  [ HOA Manager Written by HOA Manager ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager)    |    Aug 19, 2021 12:00:00 AM Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) ![know the rules written on tablet next to pen and coffee cup](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/know%20the%20rules%20shutterstock_1189124440.jpg?width=1000&name=know%20the%20rules%20shutterstock_1189124440.jpg)Are you abiding by the rules in your homeowners association? When you move into a homeowners association you become part of a neighborhood that is governed by a board of directors who enforce the rules of the Association. When you sign the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) of the Association, you are entering into an agreement that you will abide by the rules of the Association community. This often means you’re limited to the improvements you can make to your property (like paint color of your home, landscaping, or decorative components), whether or not you can have pets, noise restrictions, etc. The rules vary by Association. You should know what they are before you purchase your home because you should be given a copy of the CC&Rs that state the rules. Even still, it’s often easy to forget them or not completely understand them in the first place. Read the article below for tips to remind you to check the rules in your Association. **Posted by [SFGATE Home Guides](http://homeguides.sfgate.com/live-homeowners-association-rules-6896.html)** ### How to Live by Homeowners Association Rules 1.  Read a copy of the association's rules and regulations before purchasing a home in the neighborhood. Many homeowners do not receive a copy of these regulations until already in escrow; this can lead to a horrific discovery by the homeowner of personal preference restrictions later on down the road. 2.  Attend homeowners' association meetings to keep abreast of changes in rulings and to have a voice during discussions involving changes or additional restrictions. 3.  Check your homeowners' regulations before planting trees and other foliage, erecting play equipment in the backyard, or changing the color scheme of a home. Stick to specified guidelines regarding upkeep of the yard and outside appearance to avoid incurring fines. 4.  Only rent out your home if it is allowed in the association guidelines. Some homeowners' associations have strict rules against renting out your home to others. Give approved renters a copy of rules and regulations that comply with the association. Ensure the regulations are properly outlined in the rental agreement. **[Continue to original article and last 4 tips: [How to Live by Homeowners Association Rules](http://homeguides.sfgate.com/live-homeowners-association-rules-6896.html)]** Make sure you read the communications sent out by the board, attend board meetings regularly to stay informed, and follow the rules in your homeowners association. The rules are there to make the community a comfortable and safe place to live. It’s up to the HOA board to enforce the rules and it’s up to you as a member in the HOA to live by them – and give yourself a refresher from time to time. #### Related Articles: [Pros & Cons of Living in a Homeowners Association](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-a-homeowners-association) [How Would You Encourage Someone Complaining About HOA Rules?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-would-you-encourage-someone-complaining-about-hoa-rules) Share this Blog [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg) ](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg) ](https://web.whatsapp.com) [** Previous Post Previous Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/5-tips-for-addressing-the-hoa-board-at-open-meetings) [** View all posts ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/) [Next Post ** Next Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/crazy-hoa-rules) ## Recent Posts [![Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20Board%20Meeting%20-640178088-1.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) ### [Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners? Click to view Can an HOA Board Make Important Decisions without Homeowners?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) Can an HOA board make decisions without homeowner approval? In many cases, yes. HOA board members are elected... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/can-an-hoa-board-make-important-decisions-without-homeowners) [![HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Management%20vs.%20HOA%20Consulting%20Which%20Does%20Your%20Board%20Need.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) ### [HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need? Click to view HOA Management vs. HOA Consulting: Which Does Your California Board Need?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) Some HOA boards need consistent support managing day-to-day responsibilities, while others need expert... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-management-vs-hoa-consulting) [![HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Rule%20Enforcement%20Best%20Practices%20to%20Stay%20Fair%20Legal%20and%20Effective.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) ### [HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective Click to view HOA Rule Enforcement: Best Practices to Stay Fair, Legal, and Effective](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) HOA rule enforcement plays a key role in maintaining a well-managed, high-functioning community. When rules... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-rule-enforcement-best-practices) [![The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/The%20Role%20of%20an%20HOA%20Manager_What%20Boards%20Should%20Expect%20Before%2c%20During%2c%20and%20After%20the%20Working%20Relationship%20Begins.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) ### [The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins Click to view The Role of an HOA Manager: What Boards Should Expect Before, During, and After the Working Relationship Begins](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) Many HOA board members know when their community needs additional support, but it isn’t always clear what... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/the-role-of-an-hoa-manager-what-boards-should-expect) [![Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Budgeting%20for%20Major%20HOA%20Projects%20How%20Boards%20Can%20Plan%20Without%20Special%20Assessments.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) ### [Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments Click to view Budgeting for Major HOA Projects: How Boards Can Plan Without Special Assessments](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) Effective HOA budgeting plays a critical role in helping communities prepare for large repair and improvement... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-budgeting-planning-major-projects-without-special-assessments) [![HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/HOA%20Insurance%20Explained%20What%20Every%20Board%20Member%20Needs%20to%20Know%20in%202026.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) ### [HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026 Click to view HOA Insurance Explained: What Every Board Member Needs to Know in 2026](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) HOA insurance is one of the most important responsibilities an association board oversees. It protects the... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hoa-insurance-explained-what-every-board-member-needs-to-know-in-2026) [![Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Understanding%20California%20HOA%20Laws%20in%202026%20Key%20Updates%20for%20Boards.webp) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) ### [Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards Click to view Understanding California HOA Laws in 2026: Key Updates for Boards](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) California HOA laws continue to evolve year after year, and 2026 is no exception. New legislation, regulatory... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/understanding-california-hoa-laws-in-2026-key-updates-for-boards) [![How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/senior-beautiful-woman-sitting-at-a-table-outside-2026-01-09-07-46-51-utc%20(2).jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) ### [How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls) Click to view How to Run Effective HOA Board Meetings (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) HOA board meetings are essential to the health of a community, but they can easily become stressful,... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/how-to-run-hoa-meetings) [![Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Self-Managed%20vs%20Professional%20HOA%20Management%20A%20Cost-Benefit%20Guide%20for%20Boards.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) ### [Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide Click to view Self-Managed HOA vs. Professional Management: A Cost-Benefit Guide](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) Many HOA boards start out self-managed because it seems like the most cost-effective approach. Without... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/self-managed-hoa-vs-professional-management) [![The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community-featured-image](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/An%20HOA%20board%20meeting%20at%20an%20outdoor%20table%20with%20laptops.jpg) ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ### [The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community Click to view The Essential HOA Board Responsibilities That Guide Every Community](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) Homeowners associations play a big role in keeping neighborhoods well-maintained, financially healthy, and... [Learn More ** Click to view blog post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/10-fundamental-principles-of-a-homeowners-association) ** Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of [website accessibility](https://userway.org) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "HOA Manager", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-16T23:46:59.916Z", "datePublished" : "2021-08-19T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Refresh Your Memory of the Rules in Your Homeowners Association", "image" : [ "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/know%20the%20rules%20shutterstock_1189124440.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/refresh-your-memory-of-the-rules-in-your-homeowners-association", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Hignell-Property-Management/Hignell-logo-2023.svg" } } } ```