What Are CC&Rs—and Why Every Arizona Homebuyer Should Read Them Carefully
If you’re considering buying a home in a condominium or planned community in Arizona, chances are you’ll be part of a homeowners’ association (HOA). That means you’ll be subject to a legal document known as the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, or CC&Rs. This lengthy document can significantly impact your rights and your wallet.
At Dessaules Law Group, we’ve helped countless homeowners avoid unpleasant surprises by reviewing these documents before they buy. Here’s what every homeowner should know.
What Are CC&Rs?
CC&Rs are the rules that govern your HOA. They outline your rights, responsibilities, and restrictions as a homeowner in the community. This document is legally binding, and once you purchase a home in the HOA, you agree to abide by these terms, whether you’ve read them or not.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t fully understand the implications of CC&Rs until it’s too late. That’s where we come in.
Why You Need to Read the Fine Print
Reading CC&Rs isn’t fun—it’s time-consuming and packed with legal jargon—but they contain important information that can affect your lifestyle and your finances.
Before purchasing, you should:
Request all HOA documents: This includes not just the CC&Rs, but also bylaws, rules and regulations, recent financial statements, and minutes from recent board meetings. These can reveal how the HOA operates—and whether it’s functional or dysfunctional.
Understand your financial obligations:
How much are monthly or yearly dues?
Have they increased regularly?
Are there frequent special assessments (unexpected charges for emergencies or major repairs)?
Is there a reserve fund for future improvements?
If the HOA has little savings and frequently imposes special assessments, you could be on the hook for large surprise bills in the future.
Check the HOA’s enforcement policies: Some boards impose fines aggressively. Are fines common? Do homeowners frequently request waivers? The meeting minutes can tell you a lot.
Understanding the Financial Responsibility
HOA fees usually cover the maintenance of common areas, but exactly what’s included varies. Condo HOAs often handle everything from landscaping to roof repairs, while single-family communities may offer fewer services and require more homeowner responsibility.
You’ll want to know exactly what the HOA covers and what you’ll need to pay for yourself.
Let Us Help You Avoid a Costly Mistake
At Dessaules Law Group, we specialize in Arizona HOA law. Our attorneys can review all HOA documents before you buy and explain everything in plain English—your rights, financial responsibilities, potential risks, and any red flags.
Don’t walk into a long-term legal commitment without understanding your agreement. With our help, you can buy with confidence.