RV LIFE

4 HOA Rules About RVs That Might Surprise You

Home Owners Associations (HOAs) maintain standards set out by the communities they represent. They kind of act as property managers for planned communities including single-unit housing, townhouses, and apartment buildings.

While most HOAs recognize that RVs are a part of the lives of many homeowners, they also realize that RVs take up a lot of parking space. Not only that, but some RVs can become a significant hazard during severe weather events.

HOAs have to balance the needs of RV-owning homeowners with the needs of the greater community. For this reason, there are some common HOA rules that RVers should know about.

While the rule makes it clear that you have to keep your RV out of public view, you are allowed to park one out of sight in your garage.  

1. RVs are not allowed to be stored in public view, including driveways, sideyards, and backyards.

It's common for HOAs to limit the time your RV can be parked in view of public areas to three days. That being said, some HOAs are more strict than others, with some allowing up to five days before they issue a warning letter or fine.

2. The time an RV can be stored on your property is limited to just under three days.

Many planned communities don't allow you to live in your RV on your own lot while you build your home. However, some communities will allow you to occupy an RV for a stipulated period of time. This may be six weeks or six months, depending on the HOA.

3. RVs aren't allowed to be used as temporary housing on your property.

With few exceptions, HOA communities that provide RV storage won't allow you to use your RV as a guest house.  Furthermore, this rule applies whether your guest is staying for a night or a week.

4. RVs can't be used as short-term guest accommodations.