Every homeowners’ association (HOA) and condominium association (COA) is governed by a set of documents that define the authority of the association and detail what board members and residents can and cannot do. Usually drafted by attorneys, governing documents can be hundreds of pages long. Within these pages are references to federal and state laws, recorded maps or plats, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), articles of incorporation, bylaws, and rules.

Legally binding documents, the governing documents promote harmony, offer guidance, and maintain consistency. However, a community’s goals and priorities will change over time, and it’s essential to ensure the governing documents reflect the evolving needs of the community and remain legally compliant.

Because governing documents can be complex, amending them may feel daunting. At Associa, we’ve spent decades helping HOA and COA boards navigate the amendment process. You’ll want to:

1.      Thoroughly Review the Governing Documents

2.      Consult a Community Association Lawyer

3.      Revise the Documents

4.      Get Approvals

5.      Share with Residents

6.      Adopt Amended Documents

7.      Distribute Updated Documents

With more than 20 years’ experience in association management, Robin Kingston, CMCA®, senior property manager for Evergreen Management Group, an Associa® Company, offers expert guidance on how to put these tips into action. Download the ebook now! 

About Robin Kingston, CMCA®

With more than 20 years’ experience in managing HOAs and COAs, Robin brings a wealth of knowledge to her position as senior property manager for Evergreen Management Group, an Associa® Company. In addition to her background in business management and planning and zoning for municipalities, Robin’s accreditations include the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) designation from the Community Associations Institute and the Associa CAM Financial certification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Governing Documents

What are HOA Governing Documents?

HOA governing documents are legally binding documents that explain how a community is governed. They set expectations for residents, board members, and vendors and establish how the HOA is run. Designed to promote harmony, offer guidance, and maintain consistency, all HOA residents are required to abide by and thoroughly understand their community’s governing documents. Failure to comply may lead to violations and other consequences.

Are HOA Documents Public Record?

Most HOA documents are public record, including governing documents. Some states only require the HOA to make certain documents public, while others can be kept confidential. These confidential records can include things like board meeting minutes, financial records, and insurance claims.

Can HOA Documents be Amended?

It’s often residents who are the first to point out inconsistencies in their governing documents. Outdated rules, ambiguous or missing information, and vague rights are all reasons to talk to your association’s board of directors. These important documents can be changed and/or updated. Download the ebook now to learn how!

Related Content

If you’d like to learn more about HOA governing documents, check out these ebooks and articles.

"A Breakdown of HOA Governing Documents"

Associa knows how significant governing documents are to the operations of an HOA. To help homeowners and board members better decipher their documents, we’ve prepared this ebook. Read on to learn everything you need to know about your documents, how they affect you, and where you can find them.

"Understanding the Homeowners’ Association Rules Hierarchy"

To maintain community living benefits, residents must commit to following the association’s rules and guidelines. Understanding the importance of the homeowners’ association rules hierarchy and how your compliance affects all residents can help your community thrive. Explore this comprehensive guide on HOA rules to enhance your knowledge.

"5 Places to Find Your HOA’s Governing Documents"

Usually drafted by attorneys and hundreds of pages long, HOA governing documents are complex and may be challenging to decode. However, understanding the information within the governing documents is crucial to a successful HOA living experience. Read this article to learn more about HOA governing documents and where to find them.