HOA stands for Homeowners Association. It is a private organization that consists of members of a community, usually headed by an HOA board, who are volunteers usually elected into position. The purpose of an HOA is to oversee the management of certain residential communities, such as planned neighborhoods, townhouses, and multiunit apartment buildings or condominiums. HOAs establish sets of rules and regulations called bylaws for those living in the community to follow, and they are responsible for enforcing these rules. The responsibilities of the HOA can vary based on property type, but they typically oversee common area maintenance, shared services, and other amenities. HOAs are usually run by resident homeowners, unpaid volunteers who are elected to a board of directors that oversees the HOA’s management. Anyone who buys into the community becomes a member of the HOA.