HOA Laws in Ohio

Homeowners associations in Ohio are governed by the Ohio Planned Community Law, Revised Code Chapter 5312, while condominiums are governed by the Condominium Property Act, Chapter 5311. This guide summarizes the areas boards ask about most. It is general information, not legal advice.

The governing statute

Chapter 5312 sets baseline rules for Ohio HOAs, covering meetings, records, assessments, reserves, and enforcement, alongside your recorded documents. Most Ohio HOAs are also incorporated as nonprofit corporations, so Chapter 1702 governs corporate matters such as member and board meetings, director duties, quorum, and voting. Condominium communities should look primarily to Chapter 5311.

2022 reforms (Senate Bill 61)

Senate Bill 61, effective September 13, 2022, aligned the condominium and planned-community statutes and modernized several areas, including reserves, records access, fidelity insurance, and the procedure for imposing enforcement fines. Boards should make sure their policies reflect these updates.

Meetings and open-meeting rules

Board meetings are generally open to members with notice, with limited matters allowed in closed session. Notice and procedures follow the statute and your bylaws.

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.

Records access and owner inspection

Owners have the right to inspect and copy association records, subject to reasonable rules and limited exceptions. The 2022 reforms clarified records access.

Assessments, liens, and foreclosure

Associations may levy assessments and record a lien for unpaid amounts, and may pursue foreclosure subject to statutory procedure. Boards typically involve an attorney for liens and foreclosure.

Fines, enforcement, and due process

Before imposing certain fines, the association must give notice and an opportunity for a hearing as provided by the statute and the documents. Enforcement must follow this process consistently.

Reserves and budgets

Ohio addresses reserves through the statute and the governing documents, and the 2022 reforms updated reserve provisions. Funding reserves for major repairs remains a widely recommended practice.

Owner protections on common restrictions

Ohio limits certain HOA restrictions, including on solar collectors and the display of the United States flag, subject to reasonable conditions. Review the specific statute before denying a related request.

Where to get official help

Chapter 5312 and Chapter 5311 are available from the Ohio Revised Code. For a specific situation, consult an Ohio attorney experienced in community association law.