What Repairs Are an HOA Responsible For? Guide to HOA Maintenance Responsibilities

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes. For specific legal advice, consider reaching out to a legal professional with expertise in your area. 

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a major role in preserving the appearance and functionality of shared communities. But when a repair issue comes up, it’s not always clear who’s responsible—the HOA or the homeowner?

Understanding what repairs HOAs are responsible for helps avoid confusion, reduce conflict, and make sure needed work doesn’t fall through the cracks.

This guide breaks down common HOA maintenance responsibilities, outlines where homeowner duties begin, and highlights gray areas that often cause friction.

Understanding HOA Responsibilities

An HOA exists to manage and maintain shared elements of a residential community—whether that’s a condo complex, townhome development, or single-family subdivision with communal amenities. Each HOA operates under a set of governing documents, typically including the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), which clearly outline what the HOA is responsible for.

In general, HOAs handle the upkeep of common areas—spaces and systems shared by all homeowners in the community. This can include exterior maintenance, landscaping, amenity repairs, and structural elements of shared buildings. The HOA collects dues from homeowners to cover these costs, and in most cases, uses a portion of those dues to build a reserve fund for larger future repairs.

The exact scope of an HOA’s repair responsibilities varies from one community to another. That’s why homeowners should always review the CC&Rs closely. These documents spell out the maintenance boundary between HOA and homeowner, and they take precedence over general assumptions or verbal agreements.

Common Areas: What Repairs Are HOAs Responsible For?

In most HOA communities, the association is responsible for maintaining and repairing common areas—spaces and systems that serve multiple homes or the entire community. These responsibilities are usually spelled out in the CC&Rs, but here’s what HOAs typically cover:

Structural Components

In condo and townhome communities, the HOA often handles repairs to exterior walls, roofs, building foundations, and stairwells. These are shared structures that impact multiple units and fall under the HOA’s jurisdiction.

Shared Systems

If buildings share utilities like plumbing, HVAC, or electrical systems, the HOA is usually on the hook for repairs and replacements. For example, a leaking main water line that serves all units would typically be an HOA responsibility, not a homeowner’s.

Amenities

HOAs are responsible for maintaining shared amenities such as pools, gyms, clubhouses, tennis courts, and playgrounds. This includes cleaning, repairs, and ongoing upkeep to keep these features safe and usable.

Landscaping and Grounds

Most HOAs take care of common landscaping—think lawns, trees, shrubs, and irrigation systems in public-facing areas. They also maintain sidewalks, lighting, fences, and community signage to preserve the neighborhood’s appearance and safety.

Parking Areas and Roads

If the community has shared driveways, private roads, or parking lots, the HOA is usually responsible for sealing, repaving, striping, and repairing those surfaces.

By handling these types of repairs, the HOA helps protect property values and create a consistent experience for all residents. That said, HOAs don’t cover everything—which brings us to the homeowner’s side of the maintenance equation.

Homeowner Responsibilities

While HOAs handle common area maintenance, homeowners are typically responsible for everything within the walls of their own unit or property. These responsibilities cover routine upkeep, repairs, and replacements that affect only the individual home and not the wider community.

Interior Maintenance

Homeowners must maintain and repair anything inside their property, including walls, flooring, ceilings, fixtures, and appliances. This includes damage from wear and tear, accidental issues like water leaks inside the unit, and upgrades or renovations.

Plumbing and Electrical (Inside the Unit)

While the HOA may manage shared systems, homeowners are usually responsible for the sections of plumbing and electrical systems that serve only their unit. For example, a broken kitchen faucet or a malfunctioning circuit breaker inside the home falls under the homeowner’s duties.

Balconies, Patios, and Windows

Unless otherwise stated in the CC&Rs, maintenance of private balconies, patios, and windows is often the homeowner’s responsibility. Some HOAs cover the exterior appearance of these features, but the interior use and upkeep typically falls on the owner.

Garage Doors and Exterior Fixtures

Individual garage doors, light fixtures, and satellite dishes—anything affixed to the home that’s not part of a shared structure—are usually maintained by the homeowner. However, some HOAs may require approval before making changes to these items.

Because rules vary widely by community, the best way for homeowners to know exactly what they’re responsible for is by reading the HOA’s governing documents. These spell out the division of duties in plain terms and often include diagrams or charts showing what’s covered.

Shared Responsibilities and Gray Areas

Not all maintenance tasks fall neatly into the HOA or homeowner column. Some repairs involve shared elements that blur the lines of responsibility. These “gray areas” can cause frustration or delays if roles aren’t clearly defined in the governing documents.

Balconies and Patios

In many communities, balconies and patios are considered limited common elements—spaces that are part of the building but reserved for the use of one unit. In these cases, the HOA may be responsible for structural components (like the flooring or support beams), while the homeowner is responsible for keeping the space clean and usable. If a railing becomes loose, for example, the HOA might fix it. But if furniture causes damage, the homeowner could be liable.

Roofs and Exterior Walls

HOAs often cover full roof replacements, but patching interior water damage from a roof leak might fall to the homeowner. Similarly, the HOA may repair cracks in an exterior wall, but paint touch-ups inside the unit would be on the owner.

Windows and Doors

Responsibility for windows and doors depends on how the HOA defines them. If a window serves only one unit but is part of the building’s structural envelope, it may be a shared responsibility. Some HOAs cover the window frame and glass; others expect the homeowner to handle replacements.

Entryways and Stairwells

In multi-unit buildings, entryways and stairwells that serve more than one unit are typically the HOA’s responsibility. But if a homeowner damages shared stairs while moving in, they might be expected to cover the repair.

The best way to avoid confusion is to review your HOA’s maintenance matrix or written maintenance guidelines. These documents explain who handles what and often list specific components item by item. When disputes arise, written clarification is the most reliable way to settle them.

Financial Aspects: Funding Repairs

HOAs rely on regular dues—also called assessments—to cover the cost of repairs, maintenance, and future upgrades. These dues fund two main categories: routine operational expenses and long-term capital improvements.

Monthly Dues and Operating Costs

HOA dues typically go toward ongoing maintenance tasks like landscaping, cleaning common areas, and minor repairs. If a clubhouse air conditioner fails or a pool filter needs replacing, the HOA covers it using these operating funds.

Reserve Funds and Large Repairs

To plan for bigger-ticket items—like repaving roads, replacing roofs, or repairing shared plumbing—HOAs maintain a reserve fund. Reserve funds are built through a portion of the dues set aside each month. Healthy reserves help the HOA avoid hitting homeowners with sudden large bills.

Most states require HOAs to conduct reserve studies—professional evaluations that project the cost and timing of future repairs. These studies help boards budget properly and protect homeowners from financial surprises.

Special Assessments

If a major repair is needed and the reserve fund falls short, the HOA may issue a special assessment—a one-time fee billed to all homeowners. This can happen after unexpected damage (like storm-related issues) or when an HOA fails to plan adequately. Homeowners should be aware of this possibility and pay attention to the reserve fund’s health during annual budget meetings.

Understanding how an HOA manages its finances is just as important as knowing what it’s responsible for. A well-funded, financially transparent HOA can handle repairs efficiently without placing sudden burdens on homeowners.

Legal Obligations and Dispute Resolution

HOAs are more than neighborhood committees—they’re legal entities with enforceable responsibilities to the homeowners they serve. When an HOA fails to make required repairs or neglects its duties, homeowners have options for resolving the issue.

Legal Duties of the HOA

Most HOAs are governed by state laws and the association’s own CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules. These documents outline not just repair duties, but the timeline and standard for performing them. If the HOA fails to maintain common areas or ignores structural issues, it may be in breach of its legal obligations.

In many states, courts have held HOAs legally liable for neglecting repairs that result in property damage or safety risks. This is especially true when homeowners can show the board had prior notice but failed to act.

How Homeowners Can Respond

When disputes arise, start by submitting a written maintenance request or complaint to the HOA board or property manager. Keep a copy for your records and document the issue with photos if possible.

If the HOA doesn't respond or refuses to act, next steps may include:

• Attending an HOA meeting to raise the issue publicly
• Forming a group of concerned homeowners to bring collective pressure
• Filing a complaint with your state’s HOA oversight body (if applicable)
• Hiring a mediator or attorney if the situation escalates

Mediation vs. Legal Action

Many disputes can be resolved without going to court. Mediation—where a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement—is often faster and less expensive than a lawsuit. However, if the HOA continues to ignore repair responsibilities and causes financial or physical harm, legal action may be necessary.

HOAs have a duty to act in the best interest of the community. Homeowners should know their rights and be prepared to hold the board accountable if those responsibilities are ignored.

Tips for Homeowners and Property Managers

If you own or manage a property within an HOA, knowing how repair responsibilities are divided can save time, money, and frustration. Here are a few practical tips for navigating HOA maintenance rules with confidence:

Review the Governing Documents First

Before buying or leasing out a property, read the HOA’s CC&Rs, bylaws, and maintenance matrix. These documents outline exactly what repairs the HOA is responsible for versus what you’ll need to handle. Don’t rely on assumptions—each community has different rules.

Budget for What the HOA Doesn’t Cover

Even if the HOA handles exterior repairs and landscaping, you’ll still need to budget for interior maintenance and items not covered by the association. For rental properties, that includes regular wear and tear, appliances, and any damage caused by tenants.

Ask Questions Before You Invest

Not all HOAs are well-managed. If you’re considering purchasing a rental property in an HOA community, evaluate the HOA’s financial health, reserve funds, and past history of special assessments. A neglected reserve fund or frequent legal disputes could spell problems down the line.

Stay Active and Informed

As a landlord or property manager, you may not live on-site—but you should still pay attention. Attend HOA meetings when possible, read board updates, and respond quickly to any notices or repair issues involving your property.

Communicate with Tenants

If you manage rental units within an HOA, make sure tenants understand what the HOA covers and what they should report to you. Clear expectations help prevent small issues from becoming larger, more expensive problems.

Understanding HOA responsibilities to homeowners isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about protecting your investment and providing a better experience for tenants.

Making HOA Repairs Easier: Why the Right Support Matters

Whether you’re a landlord, property owner, or managing rental units within an HOA, understanding who handles what repairs helps you stay ahead of problems and avoid disputes. But even with clear rules, staying on top of maintenance—especially across multiple properties—can become overwhelming.

A property management company can step in to handle the day-to-day tasks that often fall through the cracks: communicating with the HOA, coordinating repairs, documenting responsibilities, and keeping tenants informed. This kind of support doesn’t just save you time—it protects your property and your bottom line.

If you’re managing rental properties in an HOA-governed community, it might be time to bring in a professional. Use our free property manager search tool to find a qualified expert who knows how to work with HOAs and keep your investments in top shape.