Iowa homeowners associations are bound by their governing documents as well as state laws. To know about the different Iowa HOA laws, continue reading on.
Homeowners associations in Iowa are created as non-profit corporations. In that case, they are governed by the Revised Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act. According to this Act, an association must file its Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. The Articles of Incorporation should consist of the following:
The Iowa Horizontal Property Act (Condominiums) regulates the creation, authority, management, and operation of horizontal property regimes. These regimes must elect to follow this Act by recording a declaration or master deed in the county recorder’s office of the community’s location.
You can find the Iowa Horizontal Property Act (Condominiums) under Title XII, Chapter 449b of the Iowa Code. It consists of 21 sections, namely:
The Revised Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act serves as a guide for non-profit corporations in terms of corporate structure and procedure. If an HOA or condominium establishes itself as a non-profit corporation, then it must follow this Act.
You can find the Revised Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act under Title XII, Chapter 504 of the Iowa Code. It consists of 17 subchapters, namely:
The Iowa Civil Rights Act consists of Fair Housing laws that work similarly to the federal Fair Housing Act. Under the HOA laws of Iowa, associations may not discriminate against people based on their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, religion, age, or disability.
Homeowners who feel their association has discriminated against them can file a private lawsuit in state or federal court. They may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.