The Rise of Homeowners Associations: A Dominant Force in American Neighborhoods

Homeowners associations (HOAs) are becoming increasingly common in the US, with roughly 84% of newly built, single-family homes sold in 2022 belonging to HOAs. However, some homeowners are experiencing financial burdens and legal disputes with their HOAs. In one case, a couple in Georgia ended up paying over $12,000 in fines and garnished wages to their HOA, in addition to legal fees. While HOAs can help maintain property values and manage shared amenities, there is mixed data on their impact. Homeowners who have disputes with their HOAs often struggle to find help from official government channels, and change in HOA regulations typically happens at the grassroots level.