Neighborhood Association vs. Homeowners Association: What's the Difference? 

Neighborhood Association (NA): 

• A neighborhood association is a group of residents who share a common identity, providing a space for neighbors to connect, exchange information, and engage in community projects and social activities. 
• Membership in the Association must be open to all neighbors.
• Neighbors are defined as residents or other legal entities that own or occupy property within a neighborhood. Residents are defined as anyone who lives in the boundaries of the city.
• Membership in the Association is strictly voluntary. No neighbor will be required to participate.

Homeowners Association (HOA): 

• An HOA is typically formed by a developer and pertains to a specific subdivision. It provides a legal framework for maintaining common areas, managing shared responsibilities, and enforcing community rules. 

Can apartments, mobile homes, renters, or estate homes be part of a neighborhood association? 

• Yes! Apartments, mobile homes, and estate homes (non-subdivision homes) can actively participate in an existing neighborhood association, ensuring diverse voices are heard and collective goals are met.
• For apartments and mobile homes, specifically it’s important for the management company to be part of the discussion of joining an existing or newly formed neighborhood association. Membership in an association is at the discretion of the management company.

Legal Authority of HOAs vs. NAs: 

• HOAs: 
  Legally established organizations that govern specific subdivisions through binding covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). HOAs have the authority to manage the community, enforce property maintenance standards, and collect dues while organizing community activities. 

• NAs: 
  Voluntary organizations that foster community engagement, advocate for residents, and organize activities. NAs do not have the legal authority to enforce rules or collect fees like HOAs. In the Lawrence Connect Registry, HOAs may take precedence in governance matters, while NAs operate without the same binding authority. 

Check out the guide below to navigate the Neighborhood Association creation process.

Neighborhood Association Creation Toolkit

Download these sample bylaws to form a starting point in establishing your own Neighborhood Association bylaws.

Sample Bylaws

Once you've completed every step in the guide, you are ready to register your Neighborhood Association with the city.

Register Your Association

Have questions? Email the Team