Articles of incorporation

Articles of incorporation are the state filing that creates the HOA as a corporation, usually a nonprofit. They are not the CC&Rs. The CC&Rs are recorded against the lots. The articles are filed with the secretary of state (or equivalent) and typically name the corporation, its purpose, and sometimes a cap on director liability.

If a rule fight turns on "does this association even have the power to do that," you may need both. The articles say the entity exists. The CC&Rs and bylaws say how it governs the dirt and the members. Bylaws usually handle elections, officers, and meeting mechanics. Rules are the day-to-day details the board publishes.

What to check: the filed articles (and any amendments), whether your association is a corporation at all, and which document actually authorizes fines, rentals, or architectural review. State corporate law and your state's planned-community or condo act both matter. This is general information, not legal advice.

This is general information from an AI helper, not legal advice. Confirm it against your documents and your state's law. If a deadline or hearing is coming up, talk to a licensed lawyer.