In some ways, homeowners associations are like little community governments. Some even have the power to place liens on homes within their borders if the owners don't comply with the association's rules. Virginia law places restrictions on the rules homeowners associations may adopt and enforce. Sometimes they violate those restrictions, leaving homeowners wondering how to appeal the decisions.

In 2010, Virginia's legislators passed a new law to help homeowners understand their rights to bring complaints against homeowners associations to the Virginia agency responsible for overseeing homeowners associations (the Virginia Common Interest Community Board).

Effective July 1, 2010, if you bring a complaint against a homeowners association, by law the association must:

1. Provide you with a document that includes

• the address and telephone number of the association or its manager,  
• the address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman, and
• a description of your right to appeal the association’s decision to the Common Interest Community Board if you feel the decision violates Virginia laws or regulations.

2. Maintain a written record of the complaint for at least one year after the association acts upon it.