Can HOA control your garage?

Author: Jannie Crona III  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

If an HOA's governing documents state vehicles must be parked in the garage, then yes, the HOA can force you to park your car in your garage. Some governing documents state that vehicles must first park in the garage for the number of vehicles intended, then driveway.

Can HOA tell you what to do with your garage?

Short answer is yes, an HOA can dictate what you can and cannot use your property for. They can tell you what you can and can't have in your garage. They can tell you what you can and can't do in your garage. They can control where you park, where you can't park, if you have to have your vehicle in the garage.

What power does a HOA have in California?

An HOA has the authority to enforce the rules and regulations of the community using the community rules, or “bylaws and covenants.” These rules are considered “agreed upon” since homeowners approve them through board-elected representatives.

Can an HOA prevent you from parking in your driveway?

Parking Locations

Depending on this, most HOAs can dictate whether it is okay to park in the driveway or whether there are designated spots for visitors.

What is a HOA violation?

Members of the association are expected to upkeep their homes and abide by specific rules and guidelines. When a homeowner fails to live up to these expectations, they'll receive an HOA violation from their board. If you have recently received a violation of your own, then we can help.

HOA demands homeowners to keep garage doors open

Can you legally ignore a HOA?

This obligation is often established through the property's deeds, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), or other legally binding documents. Refusing to join or comply with the HOA's rules can result in consequences outlined in the CC&Rs, such as fines or legal actions.

How do I win a fight with my HOA?

Opposing HOA Rules Internally
  1. Pay your fines and dues. Pay your fines (and/or dues) now, and contest them later. ...
  2. Connect With Your Neighbors. ...
  3. Attend regular HOA board meetings. ...
  4. Remember that most Board Members are unpaid volunteers. ...
  5. Request a hearing. ...
  6. Change the HOA rules or the board members.

Can I sue my HOA for towing my car?

A: In your situation, considering a lawsuit against both the HOA and the tow company might be appropriate. The HOA could be held responsible if they improperly authorized the tow or failed to follow procedures outlined in California Vehicle Code §22658.

Can I ask someone to stop parking outside my house?

Actually, no. Since Public Roadways are just that, "public," no one has the right to reserve spaces in front of his or her house. However, while it is not illegal to park in front of someone else's house, it is certainly inconsiderate.

Who owns the roads in an HOA?

The primary difference between a public street and a private street within an HOA is ownership. The local government owns public streets, whereas the association owns private streets. Therefore, the obligation of maintenance and right of rule enforcement also generally falls under the same jurisdictions.

What are the rules for HOA garages in California?

GARAGES
  • Residents should park in assigned garages and assigned parking spaces.
  • Garages must be closed and locked unless attended by a Resident.
  • No excessive noise in the garage area between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
  • No commercial business shall be conducted in the garages.

How powerful is the HOA?

HOAs are legal entities—some are businesses, and some are nonprofits—and have the legal right to enforce rules and issue punishments for not following them. Sanctions can be strict. In some HOAs, the outcomes may include being fined or sued or having the HOA place a lien on your home.

How to refuse a HOA?

While you can't refuse to join one, there are plenty of constructive ways to voice your concerns and seek change if you find yourself at odds with a mandatory HOA. Here's what you can do: Review Governing Documents: Start by pulling out the HOA's Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and other bylaws.

Do I have to listen to an HOA?

While failure to comply with an HOA does not constitute breaking the law, it's not a good idea to simply ignore them. There could be fines or other undesirable consequences associated with ignoring an HOA. This might even include putting a lien on your home if the situation continues.

Is your garage considered part of your house?

There are more cases when a garage doesn't count as living space than when it does count. For example, you can't consider a garage in the livable square footage of your home if any of the following apply: Less than half of the area has a ceiling height of over 7 feet. The garage is unheated.

Are HOAs responsible for garage doors?

If you live in an HOA neighborhood in California, your garage door is likely covered by their rules. In fact, neighborhoods will have the properties' garage doors maintained by the HOA itself.

How long can someone park in front of your house in California?

How long can a car park in front of my house California? You can park your car, boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle in front of your house in California for up to 72 hours after which it is subject to a parking violation notice by an officer or employee of the police department.

How do I stop people from parking on the side of my house?

Put up Signs & Traffic Cones to Stop Cars Blocking Your Driveway. You can use “No Parking” signs and traffic cones to stop your neighbors from parking in your drive. In the comment below, a reader said, "No one has blocked me in since putting the deterrent parking sign". Don't put up the signs randomly.

Can I put cones in front of my house?

No, you cannot put parking cones outside of your house to stop drivers parking there.

Can an HOA force you to park in your garage?

Can an HOA force you to park in your garage? HOAs can typically only impose parking rules on private roads. If your community owns its roads, then it may be able to enforce parking in garages, with no parking on the street.

Can HOAs seize property?

In California, for example, your HOA can't foreclose on you unless you've been overdue for at least a year or have more than $1,800 in unpaid HOA fees. Texas, on the other hand, has no such laws, allowing HOAs to foreclose on homes for any unpaid dues, however small.

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue my HOA?

That's where an HOA lawyer comes in. A qualified HOA Litigation lawyer can: Provide legal advice. Help you navigate the complex laws that govern HOAs.

How to legally annoy your HOA?

17 Ways to Legally Annoy Your HOA
  1. 1 Study the HOA rules.
  2. 2 Compare HOA rules with local ordinances.
  3. 3 Put off HOA requirements until the last minute.
  4. 4 Invite guests over for as long as possible.
  5. 5 Display religious symbols.
  6. 6 Plant native plants in your yard.
  7. 7 Hang your clothes to dry outside.

Can I ignore the HOA?

However, along with these benefits comes the responsibility of adhering to HOA rules and regulations. Ignoring or disregarding these rules can lead to a range of consequences, both financial and social.

What happens if you refuse to pay HOA fines?

For example, California Civil Code Section 5675(a) states that the fees, plus collection costs, late charges, and interest, shall constitute a lien against the homeowner's property after recordation with the county recorder's office.

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