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If you have been searching for a home in the East Valley, you have probably noticed one thing almost immediately.
Nearly every community has an HOA.
Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Mesa, San Tan Valley — the master-planned communities that define this part of Arizona almost universally come with a homeowners association. And most buyers have one of two reactions. Either they are completely fine with it, or they hear the word HOA and immediately feel a wave of anxiety wash over them.
I want to clear up the confusion once and for all. Because an HOA is not inherently good or bad — it is simply a structure. And whether it works for you depends entirely on understanding what it actually is, what it covers, and what rights you have as a homeowner.
What Is an HOA
A homeowners association is a nonprofit organization that manages and maintains a residential community. When you purchase a home in an HOA community, you automatically become a member. There is no opting out — membership is a condition of ownership.
The HOA is governed by a board of directors elected from within the community. This board is responsible for enforcing community rules, maintaining shared spaces, and managing the association’s finances.
In Arizona, HOAs are regulated primarily by the Arizona Planned Communities Act — which is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes — along with the Arizona Nonprofit Corporation Act. These laws define what HOAs can and cannot do, and they provide important protections for homeowners.
According to the Community Associations Institute, over 2.2 million Arizonans live in community associations across more than 10,100 communities statewide. About 31% of all Arizona homes are governed by an HOA — higher than the national average of roughly one in five.
What Does an HOA Cover
This varies significantly by community, but most HOAs in the East Valley cover some combination of the following:
Common Area Maintenance
The most fundamental function of any HOA. This includes the upkeep of community parks, greenbelts, walking trails, entrances, and landscaping in shared spaces. If you have ever driven through a master-planned community and marveled at how pristine the common areas look — that is the HOA at work.
Community Amenities
Many East Valley HOAs maintain resort-style amenities including community pools and splash pads, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, clubhouses and event spaces, and playgrounds. The level of amenities varies widely. A basic HOA might have a small park and one pool. A premium community like Power Ranch in Gilbert or Fulton Ranch in Chandler might have multiple pools, fitness centers, lakes, and dozens of organized events each year.
Reserve Fund Contributions
This is the part most homeowners do not think about until it matters. A portion of your monthly HOA dues goes into a reserve fund — money set aside for major future repairs and replacements like resurfacing community roads, replacing pool equipment, or renovating the clubhouse. A well-funded reserve protects the community from special assessments when big expenses come up unexpectedly.
Exterior Maintenance — In Some Communities
In certain HOA communities — particularly condo and townhome associations — the HOA covers exterior building maintenance including roofing, painting, and landscaping of your specific unit. This is less common in single-family home communities in the East Valley where exterior maintenance is typically the homeowner’s responsibility.
Community Insurance
HOAs carry insurance for common areas — protecting against disasters and unforeseen events in shared spaces. This is separate from your individual homeowner’s insurance policy which covers your home and personal belongings.
What an HOA Does Not Cover
Your individual homeowner’s insurance — you are responsible for this yourself. Interior repairs and maintenance on your home. Repairs to your private driveway, backyard, or structures within your lot. Utility bills for your home.
HOA Fees — What to Expect in the East Valley
HOA fees in the Phoenix Metro vary significantly depending on the community and amenity level.
Basic HOA with common area maintenance only: $50-$90 per month
Mid-level HOA with community pool and parks: $90-$175 per month
Premium HOA with multiple pools, fitness center, clubhouse, events: $175-$300 per month
Golf and country club communities: $300-$800+ per month
Important note: In Arizona, HOAs cannot raise regular dues more than 20% above the prior year’s dues without approval from the majority of community members. Late fees are capped at $15 or 10% of the unpaid amount, whichever is greater.
The Rules — What Can an HOA Regulate
The HOA’s governing documents — called CC&Rs, which stands for Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions — define what homeowners can and cannot do on their property. Common restrictions in East Valley communities include:
Exterior paint colors — must be approved by the HOA or selected from an approved palette. Landscaping standards — yards must be maintained to community standards. Parking — rules about street parking, RV storage, and commercial vehicles. Fencing — height, material, and style restrictions. Modifications and additions — additions, sheds, patios, and other structures typically require HOA approval. Holiday decorations — often limited to specific time windows.
What an HOA Cannot Do in Arizona
Arizona law provides important protections for homeowners. Under Arizona statute, an HOA cannot:
Prohibit you from displaying the American flag — as long as you follow federal flag display guidelines. Prohibit you from installing solar energy devices on your property — they can regulate placement but cannot ban them outright. Fine you without providing written notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Raise dues more than 20% without a majority vote of the membership. Foreclose on your home without going through the full judicial foreclosure process — and only after the balance owed exceeds $1,200 or has been delinquent for at least one year.
Your Rights as a Homeowner in an HOA
One thing I always tell my buyers — know your rights before you close.
You have the right to access HOA financial records within 10 business days of a written request. You have the right to attend board meetings — HOAs must give at least 48 hours advance notice with an agenda. You have the right to a hearing before any fine is imposed. You have the right to dispute an HOA decision through the Arizona Department of Real Estate’s HOA Dispute Process — an administrative process that does not require going to court.
What to Look for Before You Buy
Before you close on a home in an HOA community, I always advise my buyers to review these documents carefully.
CC&Rs — The foundational rules and restrictions. Read these fully.
Bylaws — How the HOA is structured and operated.
Rules and Regulations — Specific day-to-day rules.
Budget — Is the HOA financially healthy? Are reserves adequately funded?
Meeting minutes — What issues have come up recently? Are there unresolved problems?
Special assessments history — Has the HOA had to charge members extra for major repairs?
In Arizona you are entitled to receive HOA documents before closing. Do not waive this right.
Is an HOA Worth It
Here is my honest take after helping hundreds of buyers navigate this decision in the East Valley.
For most buyers in this market — yes. The communities with HOAs tend to be better maintained, hold their value better over time, and offer lifestyle amenities that make daily life genuinely more enjoyable. The data supports this: 67% of Arizona HOA residents report a positive experience with their association.
The HOAs that cause problems are the ones that are poorly managed, financially stressed, or inconsistently enforced. The best way to avoid these situations is to do your homework before you buy — review the documents, ask questions, and work with a realtor who knows the communities well.
That is exactly what I am here for.
Thinking About Buying in the East Valley?
I know the HOA communities in Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Mesa, San Tan Valley, Tempe, and Apache Junction — the well-run ones, the ones to be cautious about, and everything in between. Let me help you make an informed decision.
Heather Seegmiller
Licensed Arizona Realtor
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate S.J. Fowler
(480) 316-2667 | heather.az.properties@gmail.com | heatherarizonarealtor.com
License SA715388000 AZ
