Alabama HOA Laws 2026: §35-20 Rights, No Statutory Fine Cap

Alabama regulates homeowners associations through two primary statutes: the Alabama Uniform Condominium Act (Ala. Code §35-8A), which governs condominium associations, and the Alabama Homeowners Association Act (Ala. Code §35-20), enacted in 2015 and applicable to associations created on or after January 1, 2016 (and older ones that opt in), which provides a basic organizational framework for planned community HOAs. Unlike states such as Nevada or Florida, Alabama does not impose statutory fine caps, meaning your CC&Rs and governing documents largely control fine amounts.

The Alabama Homeowners Association Act (§35-20) was a significant development, giving homeowners in covered planned communities a statutory right to access association records (§35-20-13) and adding formation, filing, and lien rules. It does not impose statutory fine caps, a minimum number of notice days, or an open-meeting mandate. It does, however, require that a member be given an opportunity to be heard — and to be represented by counsel — before the board assesses a penalty (§35-20-11). Other procedures come from your governing documents and the Alabama Nonprofit Corporation Law. Prior to this act, Alabama HOAs operated almost entirely under common law and their own governing documents.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Alabama HOA law: how to fight violations, your rights under §35-8A and §35-20, fine limit structures, and strategies for challenging unfair enforcement. Use the sections below to find the information most relevant to your situation.