HOA scenarios
The situation you’re in, step by step.
Concrete playbooks for the moments that actually matter — a disputed fine, a recall petition, a special assessment, a delinquent owner. Each one tells you what governing documents typically require, what to do, and what to watch for.
8 situations · review with counsel before acting · cross-linked to topic guides, templates, and glossary
If you're a resident
5 scenariosThe HOA fined me for something I didn't do
How to dispute an HOA fine when the alleged violation isn't yours — appeal, hearing rights, and what your CC&Rs actually require.
Read the playbookThe HOA board won't respond to me
What to do when the board ignores requests, complaints, or document demands — formal channels, statutory deadlines, and escalation steps.
Read the playbookMy architectural request was denied
What to do when the ARC turns down your improvement: appeal rights, the standard of review, and how to resubmit successfully.
Read the playbookThe special assessment seems too high
Challenging a special assessment: notice rules, owner-vote thresholds, statutory caps, and how to read the budget that justified it.
Read the playbookHow to recall the HOA board
Recall mechanics: petition thresholds, special-meeting notice, voting standards, and what most owners get wrong about timing.
Read the playbook
If you're on the board
3 scenariosI just got elected to a struggling HOA board
First-90-day playbook for new directors who inherited an underfunded, under-documented, or under-engaged association.
Read the playbookThe annual meeting didn't reach quorum
What to do when the annual meeting fails for lack of quorum: legal effect, adjournment rules, and how to actually get to quorum next time.
Read the playbookAn owner stopped paying assessments
Collections sequence: late notices, payment plans, lien filing, and the procedural steps that make the difference between recovery and write-off.
Read the playbook
The general orientation only goes so far.
Ask the same questions with your CC&Rs cited.
Upload your governing documents once. The bylaw concierge gives you the exact section reference, cure window, hearing right, or quorum threshold for *your* community — not a generic answer. Free under 250 homes.
Scenarios are general orientation, not legal advice. Review with counsel before acting.