Where and How Can You Find Your HOA’s Governing Documents?
Governing documents are a critical part of any community association. Often referred to as the community’s Covenant Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), your governing documents set out all of the rules and guidelines for each resident of the community, including board members.
As an HOA homeowner, it’s important to know and understand your association’s governing documents. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been part of your community for years, you should know exactly where and how to locate your community association’s governing documents should you need them. If you’re not sure where to start, here are five sources where you can access these crucial community documents.
Your Association’s Website
One of the quickest and easiest ways to source your HOA’s governing documents is through your association’s website. Most HOAs have a designated “documents” or “resources” section on their website where homeowners can download important documents such as bylaws, CC&Rs, and articles of incorporation.
If you’re unsure of where to find these documents on your association’s website, reach out to your HOA board or HOA management company for assistance. They will be able to direct you to the appropriate section or provide you with access to the documents.
Your HOA Board
As a member of the HOA, your board is there to serve and assist you. If you’re unable to find the documents on your community website, or if your community doesn’t have a website, reach out to a board member for assistance. They should be able to provide you with copies of the documents or direct you to where you can securely access them.
It’s also a good idea to attend your community’s annual or quarterly meetings if you have any questions about the governing documents. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to voice any concerns or clarify any confusion regarding the rules and regulations outlined in these documents.
Public Records
Another way to access your HOA’s governing documents is through public records. Since your community’s governing documents must be filed with at least one government department, most of these documents will be public records. These records are typically located at your local county clerk’s office or recorder’s office.
If you live in a state where these records are public, you can purchase them for a small fee at your local office. However, they generally must be purchased in person, so retrieving documents from public records can be time-consuming and annoying. Make sure to have the correct name and address of your HOA to avoid any delays.
Your Real Estate Agent
Governing documents must be given to all new homeowners before closing. As such, your realtor or title company will likely have a copy of the documents. If they failed to send you the documents before closing or if you’ve lost your copy since then, don’t hesitate to reach out and request a digital version.
Additionally, if you’re in the process of selling your home in an HOA, you may need to provide copies of the governing documents to potential buyers. Your real estate agent or title company can assist you with obtaining these documents for your records and for future buyers.
Your HOA Management Company
Your HOA management company is an excellent resource for any assistance you may need during your time living in an HOA. In most cases, your HOA management firm can provide you with electronic copies of your governing documents or direct you to a website where you can access them.
If you need to locate your community’s governing documents but are unsure where to find them, let The Management Trust guide you. We’re one of the country’s premier HOA management firms, providing more than 1,500 communities nationwide with 24/7 community management services. To learn more about how The Management Trust can help your neighborhood thrive, contact us today. We look forward to working with you!
