Local Lawmakers Take Aim at HOAs ‘Run Amok’
Lawmakers announced a package of bipartisan bills on Wednesday aimed at improving the laws on homeowners associations (HOA) and common interest communities (CIC).
These private organizations govern a community of homes, creating rules for conformity and collecting dues for maintenance work.
According to a group of legislators, some of these organizations have gotten out of hand, creating more problems than they solve.
“The reality of many is one of escalating costs for monthly dues, special assessments for repairs, outrageous restrictions by board run amok, escalating fines and fees often for minor infractions, leading to foreclosure,” said Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL – Maple Grove) in a Feb. 26 press conference. “While they were once rare, today, 82 percent of new homes in the marketplace are in an HOA. With the increase both nationally and here at home, our laws have simply not kept pace.”
Sen. Susan Pha (DFL – Brooklyn Park) speaks at a press conference announcing HOA reforms on Feb. 26.
Sen. Susan Pha (DFL – Brooklyn Park) says stories of HOAs overstepping their bounds aren’t hard to find.
“Just a few months ago I actually heard from my constituent … about receiving a fine for a violation she believed was wrongly issued and unjustified,” Pha said. “She was given no warning about this violation, no chance to dispute it, and when she tried talk to the HOA about it, she was refused to even have a discussion with them. Unfortunately, situations like this is very similar, all across our state.”
According to Bahner, about 86 percent of Minnesotans are happy with their HOA. This bill aims to help the remaining 14 percent that feel they can’t hold their organization accountable.
The bill includes restrictions on fines for violations and sets a process for handling complaints.
It also requires transparency and disclosures of other costs.
The legislation came after a working group met with stakeholders between September 2024 and December 2025.
Bahner and Rep. Shane Mekeland (R-Clear Lake) are sponsoring the House bill.
Meanwhile, Pha and Sen. Eric Lucerno (R-St. Michael) are sponsoring the Senate bill. Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) is also supporting the bill.
See also: Newsmakers: Rep. Bahner Talks HOA Reforms
