homeowners association

noun

variants or less commonly homeowners' association or homeowner's association
plural homeowners associations also homeowners' associations or homeowner's associations
: a private organization that governs a residential community (such as a condominium or subdivision) and manages and maintains common amenities (such as landscaped areas, security guards, or trash removal) using fees collected from residents
In multifamily complexes—which may be attached houses, low-rise condominium apartments or clusters of detached houses—the maintenance of the grounds, buildings and other structures, and the making and enforcing of rules, regulations and standards, are done by a homeowners associationClifford D. May
… their homeowners association polices garage doors that are left up, clothes that are hung on "illegal" clotheslines and houses that violate the "approved colors" code.Lyla Fox
Residents will also enjoy easy, low-maintenance living with lawn care and snow removal provided by the homeowners' associationJack Lannamann

called also HOA

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homeowners association was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Homeowners association.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeowners%20association. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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