HOA Laws by State
Understanding your state's HOA laws is the first step to running a compliant community. We've compiled detailed guides for the most common state regulations.
Featured State Guides
In-depth articles on the most impactful HOA statutes in the country
California
Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act
California has the most detailed HOA statute in the country. The Davis-Stirling Act covers everything from assessment collection and reserve studies to election procedures and dispute resolution. If you sit on a California HOA board, this is the law you need to know.
Read the full guideTexas
Property Code Chapter 209
Texas HOAs operate under Chapter 209 of the Property Code, which governs assessment liens, foreclosure procedures, board meetings, and homeowner rights. Texas law imposes specific notice requirements before boards can fine homeowners or restrict property use.
Read the full guideOregon
ORS Chapter 94 (Planned Community Act)
Oregon's Planned Community Act sets rules for assessments, meeting procedures, reserve studies, resale disclosures, and developer transitions. It applies to most planned communities created after 1982 and has specific financial reporting thresholds boards need to track.
Read the full guideWashington
WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) + RCW 64.38
Washington is in the middle of a major HOA law transition. RCW 64.38 expires January 1, 2028, and all communities will fall under WUCIOA (RCW 64.90). Boards need to update governing documents, reserve study policies, and meeting procedures before the deadline.
Read the full guideRelated Compliance Guides
Practical resources for board members navigating HOA governance
WUCIOA Compliance Checklist
Step-by-step checklist for Washington HOA boards preparing for the 2028 WUCIOA transition. Covers document updates, reserve studies, and meeting procedure changes.
Read guideHOA Board Member Duties & Best Practices
Fiduciary duties, legal obligations, and practical best practices for volunteer board members. Covers decision-making standards, conflict of interest rules, and record-keeping requirements.
Read guideHOA Annual Meeting Checklist
Complete guide to planning and running your annual meeting. Covers notice requirements, quorum rules, election procedures, and meeting minutes that comply with state law.
Read guideAll 50 States
State-specific HOA management resources, governing law references, and community guides
Why state HOA law matters
HOA law varies dramatically from state to state. California's Davis-Stirling Act runs hundreds of pages and prescribes specific procedures for everything from board elections to reserve studies. Alabama doesn't have a comprehensive HOA statute at all — boards rely almost entirely on their CC&Rs and general property law.
Boards that don't understand their state's requirements risk more than compliance violations. Improperly noticed meetings can invalidate votes. Assessment liens filed without the correct procedures can be challenged in court. Election results that don't follow statutory requirements can be overturned. The consequences are real and expensive.
Effortless HOA helps boards stay compliant by building state-aware workflows into the platform. Automated notice timelines, election procedures with quorum tracking, assessment billing with proper lien documentation, and financial reports that meet state reporting thresholds — all designed so your volunteer board doesn't need to memorize the statute.