A homeowner association, HOA, is a legal entity created by a real estate developer for the purpose of managing a development of properties. An HOA allows the developer to exit, leaving the financial and legal responsibility of the community, (the association) to the homeowners after selling a percentage of the homes.

Most homeowners' associations are non-profit corporations, and are subject to state statutes that govern non-profit corporations and homeowners' associations. State oversight of homeowners associations is inconsistent from state to state. Some states have a strong body of homeowner association law such as Florida and California, and some states have virtually no homeowner association law such as Massachusetts.

Homeowner association maintain common areas, and have the authority to enforce deed restrictions. Many newer single-family subdivisions have HOAs, which are usually created when the development is built. Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions are issued to each homeowner, and HOAs are established to ensure that they are adhered to in order to maintain the quality and value of the properties involved.

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