Before you close on a home in an HOA, read the CC&Rs, bylaws, current budget, latest financial report, reserve study, recent meeting minutes, and any pending litigation, and get the estoppel certificate. Ask how much the dues are and how often they have risen, whether there are CDD fees or special assessments, how well-funded the reserves are, and whether there are active disputes or lawsuits.
What documents should I read before buying in an HOA?
If you are buying in an HOA community, the time to understand the association is before you close — not after.
The Declaration of Covenants (CC&Rs) — the master rulebook. The restrictions bind you the day you close.
The Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation — how the association is run.
The current budget and most recent financial report — is the association financially healthy?
The reserve study — are reserves funded, or is a special assessment likely?
Recent board meeting minutes — what issues is the community dealing with right now?
Any pending litigation — is the HOA suing, or being sued? (This is a major signal.)
The estoppel certificate — what's owed on the property at closing. (§720.30851)
What questions should I ask before buying?
What are the monthly dues, and how often have they increased in the last five years?
Are there CDD fees or special assessments on top of the HOA dues?
How well-funded are the reserves?
Are there any active disputes, fines, or lawsuits in the community?
How responsive is the board and management company?
How FairHOA helps you decide
FairHOA gathers this information from public sources and turns it into a single Harmony Score (0–100) across eight domains — governance, finances, communication, resident sentiment, appearance, engagement, amenities, and location. Instead of reading dozens of documents, you can see how a community scores, with the evidence behind every number, before you ever make an offer.
Florida statutes cited
§720.30851
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important document to read before buying?
The Declaration of Covenants (CC&Rs) — it is the master rulebook and binds you the day you close.
How do I know if a special assessment is coming?
Read the reserve study and recent meeting minutes; poorly funded reserves are the biggest warning sign of a looming special assessment.
What are CDD fees?
Community Development District fees are separate from HOA dues and common in Florida — always ask whether they apply on top of the HOA dues.
How can I check a community's health quickly?
Look it up on FairHOA to see its Harmony Score (0–100) and the evidence behind it before making an offer.