50 Pics Showing Some HOAs Getting Out Of Control (New Pics)

HOAs usually are non-profit, self-governing organizations that implement rules for homeowners and renters living in close-knit communities. Their main role is to protect property value by ensuring that no unsightly views decrease the curb appeal of a neighborhood. 

For instance, they can restrict paint colors, lawn maintenance, and even the cars parked in driveways to maintain an overall visually pleasing appearance.

"In general, I believe homeowner associations (HOAs) benefit neighborhoods by preserving their integrity and maintaining a clean, cohesive aesthetic," Jeremy Smith, real estate advisor at Engel & Völkers Atlanta, told Bored Panda.

"Without community guidelines, neighborhoods and condominiums can start to look inconsistent, as individual design choices may not align with broader appeal. HOAs help protect property values by ensuring uniformity and upkeep—when everything is mismatched, values tend to decline."

However, to some, letting other people decide what they can and can’t do with their own property sounds absurd.

"Many people dislike HOAs because of the rules," said Smith. "However, these rules exist to maintain a certain standard, which is ultimately beneficial. Issues like parking violations and other infractions arise when people break the rules. Often, those who are most frustrated with HOAs are the ones who fail to adhere to the guidelines. If someone is opposed to an HOA’s structure, they should have researched the community thoroughly before moving in."

Despite some people disliking the concept of HOAs, nowadays they’re becoming more and more hard to avoid.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 84% of newly built, single-family homes sold in 2022 were part of homeowners associations. “In most southern states and western states, it’s nearly impossible for a homebuyer to locate a single-family home that’s not part of some sort of HOA,” said Deborah Goonan, administrator of the blog Independent American Communities. “Certain local governments require almost all new construction to have an HOA.”

Being a part of an HOA, of course, isn’t free. On average, residents pay from $100 to $300, sometimes with fees reaching the thousands mark. The homes themselves are at least 4% or about $13,500 more expensive than non-HOA homes. HOAs justify such sums, saying that they’re preserving property values by maintaining their aesthetic appeal—a claim many are enticed by, as for a lot of people, homes are one of the biggest investments in their lives.

Despite helping communities with their rules, 57% of homeowners who belong to an HOA say that they dislike the arrangement. In fact, more than 3 in 10 feel this organization has too much power. “They act as hyperlocal governments and, in many ways, supersede all the other laws that exist,” said Steve Horvath, co-founder of HOA United.

However, there still are some rules that HOAs can’t enforce. For instance, they can’t take away residents’ right to solar drying. 19 states prohibit these organizations from forbidding homeowners from using a clothesline to dry their clothes. Even though a member of the HOA might see fabrics in the breeze as unorderly, they can’t do anything about it, except if you share your backyard with someone else.