HOA rules in Ohio

Ohio splits planned communities and condominiums. Lot-based planned communities are under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5312 (Ohio Planned Community Law). Condominiums are under Chapter 5311. Chapter 5312 does not govern condominium property. Confirm which chapter applies, then confirm the current Ohio Laws text and your recorded declaration and bylaws. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Before the board imposes a charge for damages or an enforcement assessment under § 5312.11, it must give written notice (email is allowed if the owner previously provided an address in writing) describing the damage or violation, the proposed amount, the right to a hearing before the board, how to request a hearing, and a reasonable cure date for a continuing violation when applicable. The owner has 10 days after receiving that notice to request a hearing in writing. Miss the window and the hearing right is waived. If a hearing is requested, the board must give at least seven days' written notice of the hearing date, time, and location, and may not levy the charge before the hearing. Within 30 days after a hearing that imposes a charge, the association must deliver written notice of the charge.

The association has a lien for assessments and related charges that remain unpaid 10 days after any portion is due (§ 5312.12). The lien is effective when a certificate of lien is recorded, lasts five years unless released or discharged, and is prior to later liens except real-estate taxes and first mortgages recorded before the association lien. An owner who believes the charge was improper may sue in common pleas to discharge the lien and may be awarded attorney fees. Ohio has no statewide HOA ombudsman on this page.

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.