Maryland's Homeowner's Association Act provides for the governance and reporting requirements of HOAs.
Maryland's Homeowner's Association Act (MHAA) provides extensive guidelines for the governance and requirements of homeowner's associations (HOA). HOAs implement regulations for communities that may restrict the type of house built on land in the community, the type of other structures, the color of mailboxes or doors and many other restrictions on the exterior of a home and land around it. When a buyer purchases property in a community with an HOA, the buyer agrees to comply with the HOA's governance and requirements.
Applicability
Maryland's HOA law applies to communities established after July 1, 1987. HOA law does not apply to condominium units, which have separate applicable provisions in Maryland Code. Developments that consist of 12 or more lots must give notice to homebuyers of the homeowners association.
Purpose
Maryland HOAs may restrict architectural changes to a home within the community, occupancy density, the number of vehicles, renting or leasing the property, commercial activity or other matters that relate to the use of property.
Disclosures
Homebuyers must receive disclosure of an HOA at least five days before the close of the sale for new developments and 20 days before resale of homes in an existing development. If the buyer is not given this notice, he has five days after the close of the sale (20 days for a resale) to cancel the purchase. The disclosure must include articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules, statement of fees, explanation of the use of the fees, and procedures for the HOA.
Meetings
Maryland law requires all meetings of the HOA board of directors to be open to all members of the HOA. Members must receive reasonable notice of the meeting, and may comment during the meeting. HOAs must meet at least once per year. The board of directors may meet in closed session only to meet with legal counsel, to protect the privacy of some homeowners, to negotiate contracts or some other reason in which two-thirds of the members vote to close the session.
Signs
Maryland law prohibits HOAs from banning political signs in a homeowner's yard. The sign must be for a candidate for public office. The HOA can limit the display timeframe or the sign's location, but it cannot completely prohibit the sign.
Records
HOAs must keep records of meetings and financial statements. Any homeowner in the community may view these records upon request.
Violation
Homeowners may report any violation of the requirements of Maryland's HOA laws to the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.
Related posts
Florida Homeowners Association RulesIn Florida, where many retirees settle, homeowners associations create lots of controversy. Some prefer to have the groups. Others abhor them. Much of the split...
Your parents' home may be lovely, but that does not mean you have to live in it. If you inherit the home of your parents, you can keep the memories it holds, but sell it if you do not plan to live...
Cracking the code on becoming a vendor for Home Depot may seem like an impossible feat. But its procedure for reviewing new applicants is as easy as visiting its corporate website. The challenging...
Selling your home can seem like a daunting task. Buyers know what they want for their money. You know how much money you must get for your home. Staging and decorating your home is a great way to...
Liens can be placed on a home for credit card debt or unpaid loans.A judgment lien is created against you in civil court after a creditor successfully sues you for money owed to them. Once you hav...
