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Ohio State Laws

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Ohio Community Association Laws

Planned Communities/HOAs (Ch. 5312), Condominiums (Ch. 5311), Manufactured Home Parks (Ch. 4781 + OAC 4781), corporate acts (Ch. 1702/1701). Reference hub

Ohio’s regime is statute-driven and light on agency micromanagement. Planned communities (Ch. 5312) and condominiums (Ch. 5311) spell out board powers, owner rights, budgets, records, and enforcement—then largely leave compliance to the courts and each association’s bylaws. HOAs must budget with adequate reserves (owners can waive annually), while condos emphasize disclosures and liens. Manufactured home parks are the outlier—with robust Department of Commerce oversight and detailed Ohio Administrative Code 4781 rules. No state CAM license; hiring quality management is a due-diligence problem, not a credentialing one. Net effect: clear statutes, decentralized enforcement.

At a glance

  • Planned Communities (HOAs): Ch. 5312 — board powers, budgets & reserves, records, meetings, assessments/liens.
  • Condominiums: Ch. 5311 — unit owners association & board, records, assessments/liens, disclosure statement.
  • Cooperatives: No dedicated housing-co-op act; typically organized under Ch. 1729/1702; tax definitions in §323.151.
  • Manufactured Home Parks: Ch. 4781 + OAC 4781 — licensing, design/operations, rental agreements.
  • Corporate form: Most associations use Ch. 1702 (nonprofit); some entities under Ch. 1701.
  • CAMs: No state CAM license requirement; see notes.

Primary Statutes

Planned Communities / HOAs — Chapter 5312

Board powers, budgets & reserves, records access, meetings, assessments & liens, enforcement.

Ohio Revised Code (chapter)

Condominiums — Chapter 5311

Association structure, board powers, records, assessments/liens, disclosures & developer obligations.

Ohio Revised Code (chapter)

Manufactured Home Parks — Chapter 4781

Licensing, operations, inspections, dispute processes, rental agreements (park lots).

Ohio Revised Code (chapter)

Popular Sections (direct links @ codes.ohio.gov)

Planned Communities / HOA (Ch. 5312)

Condominium (Ch. 5311)

Manufactured Home Parks (Ch. 4781)

Administrative Rules (Ohio Administrative Code)

Condo/HOA governance is statutory; no dedicated statewide OAC rules for 5311/5312. Manufactured home parks have extensive rules under OAC 4781.

Manufactured Homes Program — OAC 4781

Condominiums (Ch. 5311)

No dedicated administrative code; follow statute and governing documents.

Planned Communities / HOA (Ch. 5312)

No dedicated administrative code; follow statute and governing documents.

Community Association Managers (CAM) — Licensing

Ohio’s position

  • No state CAM license. Ohio does not license community association managers.
  • Property management of rentals may require an Ohio real estate license depending on activities.

OH Commerce — Real Estate & Professional Licensing
Property management guidance

Associations often prefer managers with CAI credentials (e.g., CMCA/AMS/PCAM), though not required by state law.

Manufactured homes resources

Governing Documents & Overlays

  • Governing documents: Articles, recorded plat, Declaration (CC&Rs), Bylaws, Rules/Resolutions.
  • Federal overlays: Fair Housing Act, ADA (where applicable), FDCPA (collections), FCC OTARD (antennas), etc.
  • State/local overlays: Building & fire codes, stormwater, pool ops, local ordinances.
  • Conflicts: Statutes can supersede conflicting documents; consult counsel for interpretation.

State Contacts

Real Estate & Professional Licensing (Commerce)

Division homepage

Manufactured Homes Program (Commerce)

  • Scope: Installation, park operator licensing, inspections, dispute resolution.
  • Phone: (614) 644-2223
  • Email: MHProgram@com.ohio.gov
  • Program contact page

Disclaimer

This page is a general reference and not legal advice. Laws and rules change; verify the current text on the official linked sites and consult qualified counsel for your situation.

Last updated: September 9, 2025

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