52Editions

Demand Letter to HOA for Repairs

Use this letter to demand that your HOA repair a common-area defect, explain the damage and set a deadline for a written reply. It is formatted for certified mail and email, which gives you a dated record of the demand. Click any field to type your details, then copy the letter or download it as a Word file. There is no sign-up and no charge.

[Date]

Sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by email

[Name of Homeowners Association]
Attn: Board of Directors
[Association Address]

Re: Demand for repair of [Common Area Problem], [Your Property Address]

Dear Board Members,

I own [Your Property Address]. I am writing about [Description of Defect, for example "a failing retaining wall behind my lot" or "a leaking roof on the shared building"], which the association is responsible for maintaining under [Governing Document Citation, for example "Section 6.2 of the Declaration"].

The problem was first reported on [First Report Date] and again on [Later Report Dates]. It has caused [Damage Description, for example "water intrusion into my garage and mold in two rooms"], with repair estimates of $[Estimate Amount] from [Contractor Name]. I have attached [Attachments, for example "photos, my notices and two contractor estimates"].

I demand that the association [Requested Repair] by [Repair Deadline] and confirm in writing by [Response Date] what it will do. I also ask the association to notify its insurer of this claim and tell me the claim number.

If the problem is not addressed by that date, I will consider all remedies available to me. I reserve all rights under the governing documents and applicable law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Property Address]
[Phone or Email]
[Signature]

What this letter does

A demand letter to an HOA for repairs asks the association to fix a problem it is responsible for, such as roofs, drainage, retaining walls, roads or shared plumbing, and explains how the delay is affecting you. It puts the association on written notice and fixes the date from which damages and deadlines can be measured.

First decide who is responsible

Responsibility depends on the declaration. Many documents divide responsibility between the owner (the lot or unit) and the association (common areas or exterior components). Quote the section that assigns the repair to the association. If the documents are unclear, ask for a copy of the records first. The duties of HOA board members include maintaining common property, which is a useful reference when you set out the association's obligation.

What to include

  • A description of the defect and where it is.
  • The governing provision that makes the association responsible.
  • A timeline of notices you sent and responses you received.
  • The damage, with photos and repair estimates.
  • The demand, a deadline and a request for a written reply.
  • A request to notify the insurer, since common-area damage is often an insurance matter.
  • A reservation of rights.

Protect yourself while you wait

  • Take dated photos and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
  • Notify your own insurer if your home is affected.
  • Avoid doing common-area work yourself without written permission, because it can complicate who pays.
  • Keep all communications in writing.

If the association does not act

Send a follow-up, ask to put the matter on the next board agenda, and review the governing documents for dispute-resolution steps. Some states or documents require mediation or notice before a lawsuit. For significant damage, consult an attorney experienced in community association law. Related letters include the HOA complaint letter and the HOA dispute letter. Can you appeal an HOA decision covers the steps if the board refuses, and a cease and desist letter addresses conduct that must stop. If the repair is funded by a levy, see the HOA letter for special assessment.

Common questions

How long should I give the HOA to repair?

Match the deadline to the work and the urgency. A safety hazard or active leak warrants a short deadline, while a larger project may need a plan and timeline.

Can I make the repair and bill the HOA?

Only if the documents allow it or the board approves in writing. Otherwise you may not be reimbursed, so ask first.

This page gives general information and sample wording. It is not legal advice, and requirements differ by state and by association.