Homeowner Association (HOA)

This depends on what needs to be repaired. In most cases things on the outside of the building are repaired by the HOA. The owner needs to make repairs inside their home. There are HOA organizing documents that outline what the HOA is responsible for. Owners can contact the HOA with questions.

HOA fees usually go up each year. They may also increase so the HOA can save for a future cost (i.e. roof or fence replacement). Rising fees can make a home less affordable.

Owners should get involved with their HOA so they can then understand what the fees are used for and to evaluate to see if fees are set correctly.

There are no limits on HOA fees. The HOA determines how much money is needed to run the HOA and then sets fees. Unless the HOA agrees to charge less, program homes have to pay the same amount. There are no laws that require homes in the program be charged less.

There is no ongoing financial help to pay HOA fees.

There is not widespread financial help to pay special assessments. For program homes within the City of Boulder there is some help but the amount of money in this program is limited. To qualify, owners need to have no other ways to pay.

For more information contact the program staff at homeownership@bouldercolorado.gov or by phone at 303-441-3157.

The program does not have authority over HOAs. If an owner feels the HOA is mismanaged, they can work with other owners to make changes. This may mean electing new owners to the HOA board or changing management companies.

The HOA is made up of all the owners in the development. It is common for HOAs to hire a management company to help. The management company may run the HOA day-to-day (collects fees, arranges for snow removal, manages big projects).

Most HOA’s hold annual meetings, and all owners can attend this meeting. At these meetings, the HOA will discuss important topics and may also cast votes on different topics. Some HOAs also hold meetings at different times throughout the year. Many HOAs have websites with information about the HOA and ways for owners to get involved.

HOAs are regulated at the state level. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies has an HOA Resource Center that can help owners.

If a home is deemed unaffordable, the program may increase the home's income cap so households with higher incomes can buy the home.

In most cases an HOA can foreclose if an owner stops paying. This could result in an owner losing their home. Owners who are having a hard time paying should call the county housing counselors at 720-564-2279 or send an email to personalfinance@bouldercounty.gov.