Buying into an HOA is different from buying a home without one — you're not just evaluating the property, you're evaluating an organization's finances, governance, and rules. Here's the full list of what to review before you commit.
Documents to request
- Current CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules/regulations
- The most recent reserve study and current reserve fund balance
- The last 2-3 years of board meeting minutes
- The current annual budget
- The resale certificate (see our selling in an HOA guide for what this contains)
- Any pending litigation disclosures
- Insurance master policy declarations page
Financial questions
- Have dues increased in each of the last 3 years? By how much, and why?
- Is the reserve fund's "percent funded" figure healthy (generally 70%+ is a good sign)? See our reserve funds guide.
- Are there any pending or recently completed special assessments?
- What percentage of homeowners are delinquent on dues? A high delinquency rate can signal financial or community trouble.
- Is the association currently involved in any lawsuits, and if so, about what?
Rules questions
- Are rentals allowed? Is there a rental cap, and is it currently full? See our rental restrictions guide.
- What are the pet policies — breed/weight limits, number of pets?
- What's the architectural review process for renovations?
- Are there restrictions relevant to your plans — home business, solar panels, EV charger, short-term rentals?
Governance questions
- Is the community self-managed or professionally managed? See our comparison guide.
- How often does the board meet, and are meetings well-attended?
- Has the community had board turnover issues or ongoing disputes visible in the minutes?
Who to loop in
Your real estate agent should request most of these documents as a standard part of an HOA purchase, but it's worth confirming they actually have and have reviewed them, not just collected them. For anything that raises a flag — active litigation, low reserve funding, high delinquency — a consultation with a real estate attorney before you're locked into the contract is worth the cost.
This article is for general education and isn't legal or financial advice. Document availability and disclosure timelines vary by state — work with your agent and attorney for your specific transaction.
Related: What is an HOA? · HOA fees explained · Find title & resale document services