If you’re considering moving to a new home in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), congratulations! HOAs have numerous benefits, but you should be familiar with the community’s rules and guidelines that could impact your plans for your home.

Lemonade has put together a helpful guide on everything that needs HOA approval before you move in.

Home Projects

Living in a community with an HOA requires approval regarding changing the appearance or structure of your home. The HOA prefers that the appearance of the homes in the neighborhood is consistent. For example, If you plan to replace shingles on a section of your home, roof color materials commonly require permission from your HOA. Even Structural updates like foundation repair will need to be approved.

Landscaping

If you were thinking about turning your front lawn into a miniature golf course, you may want to think again, on a much smaller scale. HOAs rules and regulations also involve landscaping to ensure that each home in the neighborhood maintains a basic overall curb appeal. There are also restrictions on foreign or illegal plants that you may have in your personal garden.

Renting Property

With sites like Airbnb, it is very easy to advertise your home as a rental space but living in a community with an HOA may not make it quite as simple to invite those guests in. HOAs often have restrictions on subletting and/or permission and protocol requirements. You may need written permission from not only the board of directors but the property management company.

Pet Ownership

Even as a pet owner, you are expected to follow certain guidelines given by the HOA. For example, dogs can only be a certain breed and size. When in common areas you must keep your dog on a leash, pick up their waste, and walk them in the designated areas. The HOA may also have a cap on how many pets you can own.

Here’s a quick breakdown of everything homeowners should know about community living rules: