HOA Laws in Pennsylvania

Homeowners associations in Pennsylvania are governed by the Uniform Planned Community Act, 68 Pa.C.S. 5101 through 5414. The Act generally applies to planned communities with more than 12 units created after its effective date of February 3, 1997, with some provisions reaching older or smaller communities. Condominiums are governed by the Uniform Condominium Act. This guide summarizes the areas boards ask about most. It is general information, not legal advice.

The governing statute

The Uniform Planned Community Act is a comprehensive framework modeled on the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act, covering governance, meetings, records, assessments, and liens, alongside your recorded documents. Most Pennsylvania HOAs are also incorporated as nonprofit corporations, so Title 15 governs corporate matters such as member and board meetings, director duties, quorum, and voting. Condominium communities should look primarily to the Uniform Condominium Act.

Meetings and open-meeting rules

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

Elections and voting

Directors are elected by the members as provided by the Act 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 under the Act, subject to reasonable rules and limited exceptions for protected information.

Assessments, liens, and foreclosure

Associations may levy assessments and record a statutory lien for unpaid amounts, which carries a limited priority under the Act, and may pursue foreclosure subject to statutory procedure. Boards typically involve an attorney for liens and foreclosure.

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 Act and the documents.

Reserves and budgets

Pennsylvania does not impose a detailed statewide reserve-study mandate. Budgeting and reserve practices follow the Act and the community's documents, and funding reserves for major repairs remains a widely recommended practice.

Owner protections on common restrictions

Pennsylvania addresses certain owner rights, including the display of the United States flag. Review the specific statute and your documents before denying a related request.

Where to get official help

The Uniform Planned Community Act and the Uniform Condominium Act appear in Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. For a specific situation, consult a Pennsylvania attorney experienced in community association law.