Governing Documents are the set of legal documents that establish, regulate, and guide the operations of a homeowners association (HOA). These documents form the association, define its authority, and outline the rules, processes, and structures that govern how the community functions. Common governing documents include the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, CC&Rs, and Rules & Regulations.
Why It Matters for Self-Managed HOAs
Governing documents are the backbone of every HOA. For self-managed communities, understanding these documents ensures legal compliance, consistent decision-making, and fair enforcement of rules.
- Establishes how the HOA is formed and operates.
- Defines the authority and responsibilities of the board of directors.
- Provides clarity on homeowner rights and obligations.
- Outlines procedures for meetings, elections, budgeting, and rule enforcement.
- Serves as a reference point for resolving disputes and ensuring fairness across the community.
How to Use It
“The board reviewed the governing documents to confirm the proper procedure for approving a new community rule.”
Best Practice or Tip
- Upload all governing documents to HOA My Way’s secure document library for easy access by board members and homeowners.
- Use HOA My Way’s portal to share updated versions of documents after amendments or legal changes.
- Train new board members on governing documents as part of their onboarding process.
- Cross-check all new policies or rules against governing documents to ensure compliance.
- Maintain version control and clear document organization within the HOA My Way platform.
