Which Document Has My Answer?

After learning about your HOA's governing documents, you may still have one simple question:

"Which HOA document has the answer I'm looking for?"

You may also be wondering:

• Which governing document should I read first?
• How do I know which document applies?
• Do I have to read every governing document?

They're great questions.

The good news is you don't need to read every governing document from beginning to end.

Each document serves a different purpose and is designed to answer a different type of question.

Once you know what you're trying to find, choosing the right document becomes much easier.

Let's take a closer look.

Start with the Declaration.

Use it for questions about: 

• Can I lease my home?
• Who maintains my roof?
• Who is responsible for the      exterior?
• What assessments am I required to      pay?
• What are my maintenance      responsibilities

 Start with the Bylaws.

 Use it for questions about: 

• Board elections
• Membership meetings
• Board meetings
• Voting procedures
• Officers and their responsibilities
• Board vacancies

Start with the Rules and Regulations.

 Use it for questions about: 

• Pool hours
• Parking
• Pets
• Trash collection
• Noise
• Clubhouse reservations
• Amenity use

Start with the Architectural Standards.

Use it for questions about: 

• Windows
• Doors
• Roofs
• Paint colors
• Landscaping
• Lighting
• Fences
• Other exterior modifications

Start with the Articles of Incorporation.

Use it for questions about:  

• The association's legal name
• How the association was legally created
• Registered office
• Corporate powers

Not every question has just one answer.

Some situations require looking at more than one governing document because each addresses a different part of the issue.

For example, if you're planning to build a patio, you may need to review the Declaration, the Architectural Standards, and the Rules and Regulations. Each document serves a different purpose, and together they provide a more complete answer.

You don't need to become an HOA expert to find the information you're looking for.

In many cases, simply knowing which governing document is most likely to answer your question is enough to point you in the right direction.

As you become more familiar with your HOA's governing documents, you'll find it much easier to locate the answers you need and better understand how your community operates.

You don't have to learn everything today.

Knowledge builds confident homeowners.

Engaged homeowners build stronger communities.

Let's keep the conversation going.

 Florida HOA Spotlight — Helping Homeowners Understand Their Communities... One Conversation at a Time.