San Francisco HOAs Explained

Homeowners Associations in San Francisco (HOAs)

As top San Francisco Realtors, we often hear questions about homeowners associations (HOAs) from our clients, especially those considering buying a condo. What exactly are HOAs? What do they cover? Are they worth the cost? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Homeowners Association?

A homeowners association is an organization formed to manage and maintain shared spaces in a community, such as a condo, townhome, or even certain single-family home neighborhoods. In San Francisco, HOAs are most commonly associated with condos, though there are exceptions like St. Francis Wood, where single-family homes may also have annual HOA fees.

HOA members (the property owners) pay regular fees to cover maintenance and other services. These fees vary depending on the property and the amenities provided. HOAs are governed by legal documents known as CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), which outline the rules for the community. California law provides some oversight of HOAs to protect homeowners.

If you’re exploring neighborhoods in San Francisco, take a look at our San Francisco Neighborhoods page for more insights into the unique communities across the city.

Benefits of HOAs in San Francisco

Being part of an HOA has its perks. Here are some common benefits:

• Maintenance of common areas and property management services
• Coverage for utilities like garbage and water (and sometimes others)
• Access to recreational amenities such as gyms, pools, or outdoor spaces
• Building insurance coverage
• Community standards for appearance and behavior (e.g., pet policies or rental restrictions)

In smaller buildings—like many Victorian or Edwardian homes with two to four units—the HOA may operate more informally. Larger high-rises in areas like SoMa or South Beach typically have professional management and additional amenities but come with higher dues.

For sellers considering how an HOA impacts your property’s value or marketability, check out our resources for sellers.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

Over our 20+ years in real estate and 1000+ home sales in San Francisco, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask about HOAs when purchasing a condo:

1. Can I rent out my unit?
   Rental rules vary by HOA. Some restrict short-term rentals (under 30 days) or limit the number of units that can be rented out. This can also affect financing options since banks often have requirements around owner-occupancy ratios.
2. What is the pet policy?
   With more dogs than children in San Francisco, pet policies are critical for many buyers. California law ensures that HOAs cannot completely prohibit pets but may impose limits on their number, size, or breed.
3. Why are the HOA dues so high?
   HOA dues can range from $175/month to over $2,000/month in San Francisco. Higher fees often reflect luxury amenities like elevators, doormen, or pools. Dues typically cover maintenance costs, insurance, and reserve funds for future repairs. Be sure to ask if there’s a reserve fund or if special assessments might arise unexpectedly.
4. What are the restrictions on remodeling?
   While most HOAs allow interior renovations within your unit’s walls, structural changes or exterior alterations may require approval. Always confirm what’s allowed before starting work.

For buyers navigating these questions, our resources for buyers offer additional guidance tailored to San Francisco’s unique market. If you have a specific question, reach out to our team of expert SF buyer agents.

Choosing the Right HOA—and San Francisco Realtor—for You

Finding the right home and HOA depends on your priorities: Do you value professional management and amenities? Or would you prefer lower dues with fewer frills? Either way, understanding what you’re signing up for is key.

Recognized among the best Realtors in San Francisco, with over $1 billion in successful home sales for our clients, we’re here to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re buying your first condo or selling a long-time family home, our boutique team of experienced agents is ready to guide you every step of the way.

If you have questions about San Francisco HOAs—or anything else related to real estate in San Francisco—don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact page.