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
- Planned community associations are governed by Revised Code chapter 5312, and condominium associations by chapter 5311.
- Owners can examine and copy association books and records on reasonable request, subject to limits for privileged or private items.
- Unpaid assessments can become a lien on the owner's unit once the association records a certificate, and the lien can be foreclosed.
Ohio splits community association law in two. Revised Code chapter 5312 covers planned communities, and chapter 5311 covers condominiums, including records, assessments and liens.
Ohio hoa laws at a glance
| Rule | Ohio | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Planned community associations are governed by Revised Code chapter 5312, and condominium associations by chapter 5311. | Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312 |
| Owner access to records | Owners can examine and copy association books and records on reasonable request, subject to limits for privileged or private items. | Ohio Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312 |
| Assessments and liens | Unpaid assessments can become a lien on the owner's unit once the association records a certificate, and the lien can be foreclosed. | Ohio Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312 |
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. Planned community associations are governed by Revised Code chapter 5312, and condominium associations by chapter 5311. (Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312)
Records
Owner access to records. Owners can examine and copy association books and records on reasonable request, subject to limits for privileged or private items. (Ohio Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312)
Board meetings
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Assessments, liens and collections
Assessments and liens. Unpaid assessments can become a lien on the owner's unit once the association records a certificate, and the lien can be foreclosed. (Ohio Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312)
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 Ohio rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Ohio attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312
- Ohio Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312
Official sources
Ohio forms for this topic
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
Which law governs HOAs in Ohio?
Planned community associations are governed by Revised Code chapter 5312, and condominium associations by chapter 5311. Source: Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312.
Can Ohio homeowners see association records?
Owners can examine and copy association books and records on reasonable request, subject to limits for privileged or private items. Source: Ohio Revised Code chapters 5311 and 5312.