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
- Most homeowner associations are governed by the Uniform Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Uniform Condominium Act.
- Owners may examine association books and records at reasonable times, subject to limits for confidential items.
- Unpaid assessments and related charges become a lien on the owner's unit, which the association can enforce in court.
Pennsylvania community associations follow uniform acts. The Uniform Planned Community Act covers most homeowner associations, and the Uniform Condominium Act covers condominiums.
Pennsylvania hoa laws at a glance
| Rule | Pennsylvania | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Most homeowner associations are governed by the Uniform Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Uniform Condominium Act. | 68 Pa.C.S. chapters 51 and 33 |
| Owner access to records | Owners may examine association books and records at reasonable times, subject to limits for confidential items. | Uniform Planned Community Act |
| Assessments and liens | Unpaid assessments and related charges become a lien on the owner's unit, which the association can enforce in court. | Uniform Planned Community Act |
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. Most homeowner associations are governed by the Uniform Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Uniform Condominium Act. (68 Pa.C.S. chapters 51 and 33)
Records
Owner access to records. Owners may examine association books and records at reasonable times, subject to limits for confidential items. (Uniform Planned Community Act)
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 and related charges become a lien on the owner's unit, which the association can enforce in court. (Uniform Planned Community Act)
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 Pennsylvania rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Pennsylvania attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- 68 Pa.C.S. chapters 51 and 33
- Uniform Planned Community Act
Official sources
Pennsylvania forms for this topic
Where landlords trip up.
Which law governs HOAs in Pennsylvania?
Most homeowner associations are governed by the Uniform Planned Community Act, and condominiums by the Uniform Condominium Act. Source: 68 Pa.C.S. chapters 51 and 33.
Can Pennsylvania homeowners see association records?
Owners may examine association books and records at reasonable times, subject to limits for confidential items. Source: Uniform Planned Community Act.