HOA Hell: The UGLY Truth About Homeowners Associations

by Sarah Maslowski

When it comes to buying a home, most people expect to stress over things like home prices, mortgage rates, or school districts. But one of the most surprisingly controversial topics? HOA communities.

People have big opinions when it comes to homeowners associations. Some buyers immediately say, “I don’t want to be in an HOA,” while others insist on finding a neighborhood with one. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it situation—and there are good reasons on both sides.

If you’re relocating to Georgia or just house-hunting in the North Metro Atlanta suburbs, understanding how HOAs work here is essential. HOAs, or Homeowners Associations, are neighborhood governing bodies that enforce rules—often called CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). These rules cover everything from your house paint color to whether or not you can park a boat in the driveway.

The goal is to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and protect property values—but violating those rules can have real consequences.

Read the Fine Print Before You Buy

Take this example: a Georgia homeowner wanted solar panels. The HOA denied his request, but he installed them anyway. In response, the HOA started issuing daily fines until they were removed.

It’s a classic case of why reading and understanding a neighborhood’s CC&Rs before you buy is non-negotiable. Whether you want chickens in the backyard, an RV in the driveway, or to add a detached garage or workshop, it all depends on your HOA’s rules—and they vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Some communities are flexible, while others are extremely specific. In many cases, building additions like a garage require submitting plans to the architectural committee for approval. Skip this step, and the HOA could place a lien on your home, one you’d be required to pay off before selling.

HOAs Are Common in Metro Atlanta

About 34% of homes across Georgia are in HOA neighborhoods, but in suburbs like Alpharetta, Suwanee, Buford, and Johns Creek, that number is much higher—closer to 60–70%, especially in newer developments.

Most newer subdivisions offer resort-style amenities like Olympic-sized pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and walking trails. But with those perks come rules. If avoiding an HOA is your top priority, you’ll need to look in more rural areas or older communities with stand-alone homes.

The Pros: What HOAs Do Well

You can usually tell right away if a neighborhood has an HOA. Yards are trimmed, houses look cohesive, and common areas are well-maintained. That’s no accident—it’s the result of enforced guidelines and regular oversight. Without those, you could end up living next to someone who hasn’t mowed their lawn in months or decided the front yard is a great place to store an old camper.

That kind of visual chaos can impact your home’s value—and your ability to sell in the future.

Typical HOA restrictions in Georgia may include:

Limiting exterior paint colors
Regulating fence types
Prohibiting short-term rentals (like Airbnbs)
Banning commercial vehicles or RVs from being parked visibly
Disallowing street parking overnight

The key is to request the HOA’s rules and covenants upfront and read them carefully. If the restrictions feel too limiting for your lifestyle, it’s better to know before making an offer.

Real-Life HOA vs. No-HOA Example

One home looked like a dream—beautiful updates, a pool, and no HOA. But upon visiting, it was easy to see why the price was so attractive. The surrounding homes were run-down, with overgrown grass and cluttered yards. Despite how well the owners had cared for their home, the surrounding properties brought down its value.

That’s the tradeoff: with no HOA, you have more freedom—but you also have less control over your surroundings.

KeyPoint

Whether an HOA is a dealbreaker or a must-have, knowing the rules (and the risks) upfront is crucial. They can be a blessing for maintaining property values and aesthetics—or a burden that limits your lifestyle.

So before you fall in love with that perfect home, be sure to ask: