In California, homeowners living in HOA communities are bound by a complex set of legal documents that dictate how their association operates and what homeowners can and cannot do. These documents—commonly referred to as HOA governing documents—form the legal foundation of the homeowners association and can impact everything from landscaping choices to voting procedures.                      
When these documents are unclear, outdated, or improperly enforced, homeowners may find themselves facing unfair restrictions or inconsistent application of the rules. Fortunately, California law offers protections and legal remedies in these situations. At LS Carlson Law, we help homeowners understand their rights and navigate disputes with their HOA. Our team brings deep experience in HOA law and is committed to protecting homeowners through practical legal solutions.   

What Are HOA Governing Documents?

HOA governing documents are the legal backbone of any homeowners association. These include:
Articles of Incorporation (filed with the Secretary of State)
Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) (filed with the County Recorder’s Office)
Bylaws
Operating Rules
Each of these serves a different purpose in regulating the community, and understanding how they interact is key.

California CC&Rs Explained

The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) is arguably the most important document. Filed with the County Recorder’s Office, this document sets out the rights and obligations of both the association and the homeowners. It governs things like property use restrictions, maintenance responsibilities, architectural guidelines, and enforcement rights.
California law, particularly the Davis-Stirling Act, governs how CC&Rs are interpreted and enforced. While the CC&Rs carry significant legal weight, not all provisions are enforceable. Invalid HOA CC&R provisions—such as those that conflict with state laws or the Fair Housing Act—can be challenged in court. This ensures that homeowners are protected against overreach or discrimination by the HOA board.

HOA Bylaws vs Operating Rules

While the CC&Rs focus on property restrictions and obligations, bylaws outline how the association is run. This includes election procedures, quorum requirements, the role of board members, and membership voting rights.
Operating rules are more flexible and cover day-to-day issues like parking policies, pool usage, and short-term rentals. They’re easier to amend than the CC&Rs or bylaws and must be consistent with the other governing documents and California law.
If you're trying to understand the difference between HOA bylaws vs operating rules, think of bylaws as the framework for how the HOA functions, while operating rules are the community’s everyday playbook. In addition, operating rules cannot contradict the CC&Rs, and any amendments to them must be in line with both legal requirements and the broader goals of the community.

HOA Document Hierarchy: What Controls What?

In disputes or confusion, it’s essential to understand the HOA document hierarchy. Here’s the general order of authority in California:
State laws (e.g., Civil Code, Davis-Stirling Act)
Recorded CC&Rs
Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws
Operating Rules
Any rules and regulations created by the board or management company must align with the higher-level documents and applicable law. If not, they may be unenforceable. This hierarchy ensures consistency and fairness within the community and provides homeowners with a clear path to challenge any questionable policies.

Amending HOA Governing Documents

Governing documents aren’t static. Over time, they may need updates to reflect new legal requirements, community preferences, or remove outdated code references.
The amendment process varies depending on the document. For example:
Amending HOA covenants (CC&Rs) often requires Homeowner Approval—typically a supermajority vote.
Bylaws may require a simple membership vote at an annual meeting or special meeting.
Operating Rules can often be changed by the board, but only after following notice and comment procedures outlined in the Civil Code.
In some cases, a secret ballot or electronic voting may be used to increase voter turnout and meet quorum requirements. The ability to amend these documents ensures that the HOA can adapt to changing circumstances, but it also provides homeowners with a democratic process to express their concerns.

Enforcement and Disputes: What Homeowners Should Know

California HOA document enforcement must be reasonable, fair, and consistent. Associations have enforcement mechanisms, such as fines, loss of privileges, and legal action. However, enforcement must follow proper procedures and respect homeowners' rights.
Inconsistent enforcement of rules is a common problem. Some homeowners may face disproportionate penalties or restrictions that others do not, leading to frustration and mistrust in the HOA's governing body. Homeowners must be vigilant about how rules are enforced and understand their rights under California’s Civil Code.
If a board enforces rules inconsistently, targets certain homeowners unfairly, or relies on invalid CC&R provisions, homeowners may have legal grounds to challenge those actions.

When to Get Legal Assistance

If you’re facing a dispute over association documents, need help with the amendment process, or suspect your board is acting beyond its authority, it's time to consider legal support. We routinely assist with:
Reviewing and interpreting HOA legal documents
Identifying unlawful or unenforceable rules
Challenging discriminatory or unfair rules and regulations
Supporting homeowners through Covenant Revitalization and document updates
We also work with professionals like property management firms and title companies to clarify responsibilities and resolve conflicts involving deed restrictions, the subdivision map, and other real property records. Our goal is to protect your rights and ensure your HOA operates fairly and legally.

Need Help With Your HOA Governing Documents?

At LS Carlson Law, we help homeowners make sense of confusing CC&Rs, fight back against unfair enforcement, and bring HOA documents into compliance with California law. If you're ready to understand your rights and take action, contact us today for a consultation.