HOA rules by state
HOA fine rules by state
Compare what a homeowners association must do before it fines you, and how large a fine can be, across the states HOA Notes covers.
Fine rules by state
Each row links to that state's full guide. Scroll the table sideways on a phone.
| State | What the law does | Statute | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Notice and a chance to be heard are required before a fine, and any penalty must be reasonable. | Arizona Revised Statutes section 33-1803(B) through (E) | Arizona details → |
| Colorado | Fines for non-safety violations are capped at $500, and the CC&Rs cannot override the cap. | Colorado Revised Statutes section 38-33.3-209.5 | Colorado details → |
| Florida | Fines are capped at $100 per violation and $1,000 in total unless the documents allow more. | Florida Statutes section 720.305 | Florida details → |
| Illinois | No fine until the owner has notice and an opportunity for a hearing. | 765 ILCS 605/18.4(l) and 765 ILCS 160/1-30(g) | Illinois details → |
| North Carolina | A hearing is required before any fine or suspension of a privilege. | North Carolina General Statutes section 47F-3-107.1 and section 47C-3-107.1 | North Carolina details → |
| Nevada | Fines are capped and a notice-and-hearing process applies before one is imposed. | Nevada Revised Statutes section 116.31031 | Nevada details → |
| Virginia | Fines are capped at $50 per offense and $10 a day for a continuing one, for up to 90 days. | Virginia Code section 55.1-1819 | Virginia details → |
| Washington | A fine requires notice and an opportunity to be heard first. | Washington Revised Code 64.38.020 and 64.90.405(2) | Washington details → |
| Texas | Written notice and a chance to cure are required before a fine or most other enforcement. | Texas Property Code section 209.006 | Texas details → |
Each state's rule is sourced to that state's statute on the linked page. Statutes change; confirm the current text before relying on it.
Can an HOA fine you without notice?
In the states HOA Notes covers, no. An association has to give written notice of the alleged violation and, in most, an opportunity to be heard before it imposes a fine. A fine levied without that process is open to challenge.
What the process looks like varies. Some states spell out a notice-and-hearing sequence, some add a cure period, and some also cap the dollar amount. The table shows each state's rule.
How much can an HOA fine you?
Several states put a number on it. Florida caps fines at $100 per violation and $1,000 in aggregate for a continuing violation unless the governing documents allow more; Colorado caps most fines at $500 and bars the CC&Rs from overriding it; Virginia caps fines at $50 per offense and $10 a day for a continuing one.
Other states regulate the process but leave the amount to the governing documents, subject to a reasonableness standard. Open your state's page for the figure that applies.
What to check about fines before you buy
In the disclosure packet, read for:
- The fine schedule in the rules and whether it stays within the state cap.
- The notice-and-hearing procedure the board has to follow.
- Any unpaid fines or open violations recorded against the specific home.
- Whether unpaid fines can become a lien, which varies by state.
Get your HOA packet read against your state's law.
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Order a brief for your packetHOA fines by state: common questions
Can an HOA fine you without a hearing?
In most states HOA Notes covers, no - the association must give written notice and, in most, an opportunity to be heard first. See the table above for your state.
Is there a limit on how much an HOA can fine you?
In several states, yes. Florida caps fines at $100 per violation, Colorado at $500 for most violations, and Virginia at $50 per offense. Other states leave the amount to the documents subject to a reasonableness test. Check your state's page.
Can an HOA put a lien on your home for unpaid fines?
It depends on the state. Some allow a lien for unpaid fines, and some limit or bar foreclosing on a fine-only lien. Open your state's page for the rule.
How do I check an HOA's fine rules before buying?
Read the fine schedule and the enforcement procedure in the rules, and look for any recorded violations against the home. An HOA Notes brief flags the fine terms against your state's statute.
Sources, verified 2026-06-07
Each state's rule in the table is taken from that state's HOA fine-and-hearing statute and verified against the primary source shown below; open a state's page for its full source list. Statutes change; confirm the current text before relying on it.
- Arizona Revised Statutes section 33-1803 (penalties; notice to member of violation), Arizona State Legislature. Verified 2026-06-03. azleg.gov
- Colorado Revised Statutes section 38-33.3-209.5 (executive board duties; fines), Justia. Verified 2026-06-03. law.justia.com
- Chapter 720 Section 305, Florida Statutes (fines and suspensions), The Florida Senate. Verified 2026-06-03. flsenate.gov
- 765 ILCS 605/18.4 (Illinois Condominium Property Act; board powers and duties), Illinois General Assembly. Verified 2026-06-03. ilga.gov
- North Carolina General Statutes section 47F-3-107.1 (procedures for fines), North Carolina General Assembly. Verified 2026-06-03. ncleg.gov
- Nevada Revised Statutes section 116.31031 (power to impose fines; limitations; procedure), Justia. Verified 2026-06-03. law.justia.com
- Code of Virginia section 55.1-1819 (adoption and enforcement of rules), Virginia General Assembly. Verified 2026-06-03. law.lis.virginia.gov
- Revised Code of Washington 64.90.405 (association powers and duties), Washington State Legislature. Verified 2026-06-03. app.leg.wa.gov
- Texas Property Code section 209.006 (notice required before enforcement action), Texas Statutes, Texas Legislature. Verified 2026-06-03. statutes.capitol.texas.gov
About this page
Last reviewed 2026-06-07. This page is a general buyer guide and a description of the HOA Notes service. HOA Notes is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. State statutes change and have exceptions; each citation was verified against the primary source on the date shown. Consult a real estate attorney in the relevant state before relying on any legal right described here.