--- title: Why Do We Have HOA Rules? description: Homeowners associations have rules for a reason, but the reality is they are not always followed. Find out the key components of enforcing HOA rules. image: https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20rules%20shutterstock_1868748481.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules#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 ![Why Do We Have HOA Rules?](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20rules%20shutterstock_1868748481.jpg) [HOA ManagementHOA Management](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/tag/hoa-management), [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) --- # Why Do We Have HOA Rules? By  [ HOA Manager Written by HOA Manager ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/author/hoa-manager)    |    Nov 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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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) ![HOA rules](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20rules%20shutterstock_1868748481.jpg?width=1000&name=HOA%20rules%20shutterstock_1868748481.jpg) Most people who live in a homeowner’s association know that there are certain rules to follow. There are many reasons why people might ask why we have HOA rules. You may have chosen to live in an HOA because the rules there make you feel safer and increase property values. You may have just agreed to the rules because you found your ideal home at the time and the rules came with the neighborhood. You may also be on the opposite end of the spectrum and be wondering why we even bother having HOA rules when no one in the association seems to follow them – or enforce them. ### Homeowner’s associations have rules for the following reasons: - To provide protection for the community - To retain property values - To give guidelines that are agreed upon as a community - To allow enforcement when there is non-compliance ### However, the reality is: - People don’t always follow the rules - Sometimes the rules might not be well known - People don’t regularly pay the fines if they are enforced - Some boards don’t enforce the rules consistently ### A story about playing favorites An HOA manager was doing a walk through with the board of a beautiful tree covered property to make a list of things that needed to be taken care of. They were making notes of owners who hadn’t cleared the leaves off of their roofs. As the manager was noting one particular house to add to the list, the board members on the walkthrough said, “oh no, we don’t need to add that house, that’s the board president's.” A member of the HOA – and especially the board president – should not be exempt from the rules! ## Two Main Types of Violations Rule violations can fall into two main categories in a homeowner's association: ### Incident/Nuisance Violations These violations are typically one-time incidents that can be easily resolved. For example, your neighbor had a loud New Year’s Eve party, but it was New Year’s Eve so they were warned of the HOA rule regarding the noise curfew. Other examples include: - Noise complaints - Animals off leash - Smoke (tobacco, marijuana) - Leaving trash cans out - Front yard not cared for - Weed abatement for fire safety ### Longer Term & Repeated Violations These can include some of the examples above if they don’t get resolved. For example, you thought your neighbor liked to celebrate New Year’s Eve but turns out they like to celebrate every major holiday with a loud party that lasts well into the night. Other common repeated violations include: - Rental restriction violations - Maintenance issues - [Architectural work without prior approval](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/what-happens-when-members-dont-follow-the-architectural-guidelines) (ie: paint color, siding or roofing) - Ongoing unresolved violations So, what do you do about both types of rule violations? ## Protocol for Enforcing Fines The homeowner's association needs a documented process, especially when it comes to using fines for [rule enforcement](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/why-enforcing-the-rules-must-be-a-priority-of-the-hoa-board). That way there is a process in place for how violations are being handled, that everyone is following. A documented process also gives the HOA board and manager the ability to enforce rules consistently. Written procedures – You need an escalation process that includes steps to take when someone violates a rule. For example, they receive a letter warning before an actual fine. Written policy – this details out what you can and cannot do when it comes to following the procedures. For example, if someone violates a rule, a letter must be sent within a week of the violation as opposed to waiting for two months after the fact. When it comes to [enforcing rules in your homeowner’s association](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/will-the-hoa-enforce-community-rules-regulations-against-you.html), there are two important things to remember: ignorance is not an excuse and consistency is key. When they move into the HOA, all homeowners sign a copy of the governing documents that include the rules. Then, it’s up to the board and manager to enforce them fairly and consistently. 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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.hignellhoa.com/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules&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/simple-steps-to-prepare-for-emergencies-in-your-homeowners-association) [** View all posts ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/) [Next Post ** Next Post ](https://blog.hignellhoa.com/4-tips-for-celebrating-the-holidays-in-your-homeowners-association) ## 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" : "2024-12-16T23:53:58.044Z", "datePublished" : "2021-11-19T05:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Why Do We Have HOA Rules?", "image" : [ "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/HOA%20rules%20shutterstock_1868748481.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/why-do-we-have-hoa-rules", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.hignellhoa.com/hubfs/Hignell-Property-Management/Hignell-logo-2023.svg" } } } ```