General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- Homeowners associations in communities created on or after January 1, 1999 are governed by the Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Condominium Act.
- Owners generally receive written notice of association meetings at least 10 days and no more than 60 days in advance.
- Generally, unpaid assessments become a lien once the association files a claim of lien with the court clerk.
- An association may not foreclose a lien that consists only of fines, interest or collection costs.
Most North Carolina homeowners associations formed since 1999 are governed by the Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Condominium Act. Older communities follow their recorded documents, with parts of the Planned Community Act still applying.
North Carolina hoa laws at a glance
| Rule | North Carolina | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Homeowners associations in communities created on or after January 1, 1999 are governed by the Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Condominium Act. | N.C. General Statutes Chapter 47F (Planned Community Act) and Chapter 47C (Condominium Act) |
| Board meeting notice | Owners generally receive written notice of association meetings at least 10 days and no more than 60 days in advance. | Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F) |
| Assessments and liens | Generally, unpaid assessments become a lien once the association files a claim of lien with the court clerk. | Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F) |
| Limits on foreclosure | An association may not foreclose a lien that consists only of fines, interest or collection costs. | Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F) |
The governing law
Association rules come in layers: state law first, then the declaration, the bylaws and finally board rules. A rule that conflicts with a higher layer usually fails.
Governing law. Homeowners associations in communities created on or after January 1, 1999 are governed by the Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Condominium Act. (N.C. General Statutes Chapter 47F (Planned Community Act) and Chapter 47C (Condominium Act))
Records
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Board meetings
Board meeting notice. Owners generally receive written notice of association meetings at least 10 days and no more than 60 days in advance. (Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F))
Assessments, liens and collections
Assessments and liens. Generally, unpaid assessments become a lien once the association files a claim of lien with the court clerk. (Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F))
Limits on foreclosure. An association may not foreclose a lien that consists only of fines, interest or collection costs. (Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F))
Rental restrictions
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Mistakes to avoid
- Holding board decisions without the notice owners are entitled to.
- Not keeping records ready for owner requests.
- Fining owners without the notice and hearing steps in the governing documents.
- Enforcing rental rules that are not in the recorded documents.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these North Carolina rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a North Carolina attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- N.C. General Statutes Chapter 47F (Planned Community Act) and Chapter 47C (Condominium Act)
- Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F)
Official sources
North Carolina forms for this topic
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
Which law governs HOAs in North Carolina?
Homeowners associations in communities created on or after January 1, 1999 are governed by the Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Condominium Act. Source: N.C. General Statutes Chapter 47F (Planned Community Act) and Chapter 47C (Condominium Act).
Can a North Carolina HOA foreclose for unpaid dues?
An association may not foreclose a lien that consists only of fines, interest or collection costs. Source: Planned Community Act (Chapter 47F).