HOA Glossary: Common Terms Explained

A quick reference for the terminology you'll run into as an HOA homeowner or board member. Each term links to a fuller guide where we have one.

Governance & documents

• CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) — the foundational, recorded governing document of the association. See our full breakdown.
• Bylaws — the document governing how the association itself operates (elections, meetings, officer roles).
• Rules and regulations — day-to-day operational rules the board can typically adopt without a full ownership vote.
• ARC (Architectural Review Committee) — the committee that reviews and approves exterior changes to homes. See our ARC guide.
• Quorum — the minimum participation (often a percentage of homes, via attendance, proxy, or mail ballot) required for a vote or meeting to be valid.
• Proxy — assigning your vote to someone else when you can't attend a meeting in person.

Finance

• Assessments / dues — regular recurring payments homeowners make to fund the association. See our fees guide.
• Special assessment — a one-time additional charge for a major expense the reserve fund can't cover. See our special assessments guide.
• Reserve fund — money set aside for major future repairs (roofs, roads, elevators). See our reserve funds guide.
• Reserve study — a professional assessment of the association's major components and how much should be saved for their eventual replacement.
• Delinquency — an owner falling behind on dues payments.
• Lien — a legal claim the association places on a delinquent owner's property. See our unpaid dues guide.

Rules & disputes

• Violation notice — a written notice that a homeowner is believed to be violating a rule or CC&R provision.
• Fine — a monetary penalty for an unresolved violation. See our guide to fighting fines.
• Grandfathering — allowing an existing condition or use to continue after a rule changes, typically because it predates the new rule.
• Selective enforcement — enforcing a rule against some homeowners but not similarly situated others; a common basis for disputing a fine.

People & structure

• Board of directors — the elected, usually volunteer, group of homeowners who govern the association.
• Management company — a professional firm hired to handle day-to-day operations. See our self-managed vs. professional guide.
• Resale certificate — a disclosure package prepared for a home sale, summarizing the association's finances and status. See our selling guide.

Related: What is an HOA? · Understanding CC&Rs