HOA Member

What is an HOA member?

An HOA member is the owner of a property unit—typically a single-family home, a townhouse, or a unit within a condominium building—in a residential development governed by a homeowner association or comparable group. HOAs are established to maintain aesthetics, quality of life and property values by regulating such issues as noise, pets, architectural standards, and property maintenance and by maintaining and regulating the use of common spaces. Purchasing property under an HOA’s control makes one a member of the HOA, both subject to its covenants and bylaws and entitled to its benefits and protections. An HOA member can also participate in its governance by voting in elections and referendums and by standing for election to its board of directors.

Why is an HOA member important?

An HOA member, by virtue of being a property owner and a resident inside a covenanted community, automatically plays several roles therein and potentially may fulfill other roles as well. Members pay dues, maintenance fees, and other assessments for the operation of the homeowners association and for the maintenance of common properties. Their compliance (or noncompliance) with HOA rules and standards affects the community’s overall “neighborliness” (friendliness, willingness to help out, trust, sense of belonging) and other, more tangible, quality-of-life measures. Additionally, HOA members have a determining role in their communities by electing directors, perhaps being elected to the HOA board itself, and by voting on referendums for such communitywide decisions as adopting changes in the bylaws or approving special assessments.

How can you use “HOA member” in a sentence?

An HOA member both benefits from and contributes to his community’s property values and quality of life.