HOA Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana regulates planned communities through the Louisiana Homeowners Association Act, R.S. 9:1141.1 and following. In 2024 the legislature enacted Act 158, known as the Planned Community Act, effective January 1, 2025, which modernized the framework and was modeled on the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act. Condominiums fall under the Louisiana Condominium Act. This guide summarizes the areas boards ask about most. It is general information, not legal advice.

The governing statute

The Homeowners Association Act and the newer Planned Community Act set rules for residential planned communities that have recorded declarations and governing documents, addressing association powers, assessments, and enforcement. Most Louisiana HOAs are also incorporated as nonprofit corporations, so Title 12 governs corporate matters such as member and board meetings, director duties, quorum, and voting.

Recent legislation

Boards should note that the 2025 Planned Community Act updated many provisions. Because the transition affects which rules apply to a given community, confirm the current requirements for your community with counsel.

Meetings and records

Meetings, notice, and records access are governed by the applicable statute and the bylaws, which give members certain inspection rights.

Elections and voting

Directors are elected by the members as provided by the statute and the governing documents, with notice, quorum, proxy, and ballot procedures set by those rules.

Assessments, liens, and foreclosure

Associations may levy assessments and enforce a privilege or lien for unpaid amounts as provided by statute and the documents. Boards typically involve an attorney for liens and enforcement, which follow Louisiana civil law procedures.

Fines and enforcement

Associations may adopt and enforce rules and impose reasonable charges for violations, subject to notice and an opportunity to be heard as provided by the statute and the documents.

Reserves and budgets

Budgeting and reserve practices follow the community's documents and the applicable statute, and funding reserves for major repairs remains a widely recommended practice.

Owner protections on common restrictions

Louisiana addresses certain owner rights by statute, and the recorded restrictions otherwise control. Owners and boards should read the governing documents carefully and confirm any applicable state limits.

Where to get official help

The Louisiana Homeowners Association Act and Condominium Act appear in Title 9 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Because the law changed effective January 1, 2025, consulting a Louisiana attorney experienced in community association law is especially valuable.