Can an HOA deem something is not allowed even if there are no rules against it?
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Can an HOA deem something is not allowed even if there are no rules against it?
My association says propane table top fire pits are not allowed. However, there are no rules in our house rules that bar this product.
Asked on July 16, 2019 under Real Estate Law, Hawaii
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
The HOA needs some legal justification or authorization, typically found in the rules, for this: they cannot do anything not authorized by the rules or some other binding/controlling document (e.g. in condo communities, a master deed). Without some rule, etc. supporting them, they can't bar the fire pits. However, note that the justification does not have to be focused on propane table top fire pits--a provision giving them the discretion (or right) to ban anything they deem dangerous or which would increase their insurance premiums would likely support barring such fire pits.
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