What Arizona homebuyers should know about HOA rules, fees, and community expectations
As seen on AZBigMedia.com, August, 2023.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) are common in many neighborhoods. In these communities, homes are part of a group that sets rules for property appearance and shared spaces.
In Arizona, HOAs are especially common. More than 30% of homes are in HOA communities. That is higher than the national average of about 22%, according to industry data. Arizona ranks fifth in the country for the number of HOAs and second for average monthly dues, which are about $450.
HOA fees depend on the community. Some neighborhoods include amenities like pools, sport courts, and clubhouses. Others use fees for basic upkeep such as landscaping, parks, and common areas. Some HOAs also fund neighborhood events and activities.
HOAs often spark debate. Supporters say they help protect property values and keep neighborhoods clean and consistent. Critics say some rules can feel too strict. Still, most headline cases are rare compared to everyday HOA operations.
What HOAs do
Each HOA is different. Rules are listed in documents called CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). An elected board enforces these rules.
The main role of an HOA is to maintain community standards. This includes managing shared areas and enforcing neighborhood rules. HOAs also collect dues and can issue fines when rules are broken.
Common HOA rules
HOAs can regulate many parts of daily life, including:
- Home design and exterior changes
- Landscaping and yard care
- Parking rules
- Pet limits
- Rental restrictions
Without an HOA, there is no governing group to enforce these rules. Instead, neighbors rely on each other to maintain standards.
HOA enforcement
HOAs enforce their rules through warnings and fines. Common violations include:
- Unapproved home changes
- Poor yard maintenance
- Parking issues
- Rental rule violations
- Holiday decorations outside allowed seasons
- Noise complaints, such as barking dogs
HOA fees and costs
Buyers in HOA communities pay monthly dues. There are also one-time fees when buying a home.
These may include:
- HOA transfer fee: usually $200–$250, paid by the buyer
- Disclosure fee: paid by the seller for documents
- Capital improvement fee: used for HOA reserves or upgrades
These costs are often negotiated during the home purchase.
Is an HOA right for you?
HOA communities offer structure and consistency. They help keep neighborhoods clean and uniform. But they also come with rules that limit how much you can change your home.
If you want more freedom with parking, design, or exterior changes, a non-HOA community may be a better fit.
Without an HOA, there are fewer rules. But this also means less control over how neighbors maintain their homes.