What is a Homeowner’s Association?

The next thing to understand is the concept of a homeowner’s association (a.k.a. HOA).  If the deed to the property comes with covenants and restrictions, then those covenants and restrictions may or may not make provision for a homeowner’s association.  I’ve actually seen a condominium before without a homeowner’s association, though that’s very rare.  As a matter of fact, even most non-condos (single-family residences) built in neighborhoods in central Indiana in recent years also have covenants and restrictions and homeowner’s associations.  So while condo communities often have more active and involved and even necessary homeowner’s associations, even non-condos generally have HOAs these days.

Most condominium communities however have more strict restrictions and enforcement of those restrictions.  Thus, most condo HOA’s associations are more active.  Many condominium HOAs even hire a third-party to perform certain property-management functions for the neighborhood.   This could be in the form of an on-site property manager or an outsourced third-party company performing property management services.  The way that the HOA is run and that the property management responsibilities are fulfilled is critical to a successful condominium’s homeowner’s association.