Thinking about a home in Tega Cay and wondering how the HOA will impact your daily life and your budget? You are not alone. HOAs can offer great amenities and consistency, but they also come with rules, dues, and timelines that affect your move. This guide breaks down how HOAs work in Tega Cay so you can buy or sell with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What an HOA does in Tega Cay
Tega Cay is a lakeside community in York County where many neighborhoods have homeowners associations. Each HOA is a private organization with its own rules and services. Some are small and focus on standards and maintenance. Others manage larger amenities and common areas.
Types of associations you may see
- Neighborhood HOA that sets exterior and property-use standards.
- Master association that manages shared amenities or multiple sub-neighborhoods.
- A combination of both, depending on the recorded covenants for the subdivision.
Amenities and services
Many Tega Cay associations maintain common areas and may provide amenities. Depending on the community, that can include:
- Pools and clubhouses
- Walking trails and green spaces
- Marinas or access points on Lake Wylie
- Landscaping of common areas and community entries
Always verify which services your HOA provides and what is covered by dues.
Who runs the HOA and key documents
HOAs operate under a specific set of recorded documents and are governed by an owner-elected board. Understanding these basics will help you plan your project, budget, and timeline.
Governing documents at a glance
- Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). The core document recorded against the property that creates the HOA’s powers, restrictions, assessment authority, and enforcement.
- Articles of Incorporation. Create the HOA as a legal entity, often a nonprofit corporation filed with the state.
- Bylaws. Explain board structure, meeting procedures, elections, and officer duties.
- Rules and Regulations / Architectural Guidelines. Detail day-to-day rules for parking, landscaping, exterior work, rentals, and use of amenities.
- Budgets, minutes, and financials. Show how the association is managed and funded.
Board and management roles
A board of directors elected by owners governs most associations. Boards often hire a professional management company to handle operations, collect dues, coordinate maintenance, and issue compliance notices. Board powers and limits come from the CC&Rs and bylaws. City and county codes still apply in HOA neighborhoods, and private rules cannot override local laws.
Money: dues, assessments, and reserves
Understanding how the HOA handles money can protect your budget and help you avoid surprises.
Regular dues and what they cover
HOAs charge periodic assessments, often monthly or annually, to fund operations and routine maintenance. Amounts vary by community and amenities. Ask what your dues include, how they are billed, and whether any increases are planned.
Special assessments and reserve funds
Special assessments are one-time charges for capital projects or shortfalls. Healthy HOAs plan ahead by funding a reserve account for major replacements like paving, roofs for common buildings, or pool equipment. A professional reserve study estimates the useful life and cost of these items. Red flags include no reserve study, very low reserves in an older community, frequent special assessments, or sharp dues increases without clear explanations.
Collections and consequences
If an owner does not pay assessments, the HOA typically follows a process that can include late notices, fines or penalties if allowed, placing a lien, and in some cases foreclosure as authorized by the governing documents and state law. HOAs may also suspend amenity access for delinquent accounts if permitted. Buyers and sellers should confirm payoff amounts and any outstanding fines before closing.
Rules, ARC approvals, and your rights
Every HOA has a structure for setting and enforcing rules. Know the process so you can plan projects and avoid delays.
Architectural review and approvals
Most communities require written approval from an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before exterior changes like fences, additions, paint colors, driveway work, or major landscaping. The CC&Rs and architectural guidelines explain the application process, required materials, review standards, and timelines. Apply early, especially if your project is tied to a move-in date or sale.
Common rules in local neighborhoods
While each community is different, many HOAs in Tega Cay address:
- Exterior appearance, including siding and paint colors
- Landscaping and lawn care standards
- Parking and commercial vehicle rules
- Pet limits and leash requirements
- Rental and short-term rental policies
- Use of amenities, including hours, guest access, and fees
How enforcement works
Enforcement is usually administrative. You receive a written notice of a violation and a chance to fix it. If not resolved, fines, suspension of privileges, or collection actions can follow, subject to the documents. Boards should follow their own procedures and record decisions in meeting minutes. Some disputes may go to mediation, arbitration if required, or litigation, which is important for buyers and sellers to review in the resale package.
Due diligence for buyers
Solid due diligence helps you understand both the benefits and obligations of an HOA before you commit.
What to request before you buy
- Resale or estoppel certificate listing dues, assessments, violations, and balances
- Full governing documents: CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, and architectural guidelines
- Current budget and recent budgets
- Recent financial statements
- Most recent reserve study and current reserve balance
- List of current assessments, pending special assessments, or capital projects
- Recent board meeting minutes for the past 6 to 12 months
- Insurance summary for common areas and the association’s deductible
- Management and vendor contracts that create ongoing obligations
- Any pending or threatened litigation involving the association
Questions to ask the HOA or agent
- What is the current delinquency rate in the community?
- How often have special assessments occurred in recent years and why?
- What capital projects are planned and how will they be funded?
- Are there any changes to short-term rental policies under discussion?
Red flags to watch
- No recent reserve study or low reserves in an older community
- Repeated special assessments or quick dues increases without clear reasons
- High delinquency rate among owners
- Ongoing or unresolved litigation noted in minutes or disclosures
- Limited transparency or refusal to provide records allowed by the documents
If you are unsure how to interpret a document, especially about liens, foreclosure rights, or enforcement, consider consulting a real estate attorney.
Prep steps for sellers
Getting ahead of HOA requirements keeps your timeline on track and supports a smoother closing.
- Order the resale or estoppel certificate early since processing can take time.
- Clear any unpaid assessments or arrange for payoff at closing.
- Gather CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, architectural guidelines, budget, reserve study, insurance certificate, and recent minutes.
- Disclose any open violations and what you have done to address them.
- If special assessments or litigation may concern buyers, share clear documentation and context upfront.
Local verification in Tega Cay
Every HOA is different. To confirm specifics for a property in Tega Cay, review the recorded CC&Rs at the York County Register of Deeds, check state filings for the association through the South Carolina Secretary of State, and contact the City of Tega Cay for applicable municipal codes and permits. The HOA or its management company can provide rules, budgets, minutes, and resale documents.
Work with a local guide
You deserve clear answers before you buy or sell in an HOA community. Our team helps you gather documents early, read what matters, and plan next steps. If you are selling, we can pair preparation and repairs with a polished listing strategy. If you are buying, we help you compare neighborhoods and understand how each HOA’s rules and finances fit your plans.
Ready to talk through a specific property or HOA? Connect with Kim Hamrick for local guidance.
FAQs
Do I automatically join an HOA in Tega Cay?
- If the home is within a recorded Declaration or CC&Rs that create an association, membership is automatic and mandatory as part of ownership.
What HOA restrictions should I expect in Tega Cay neighborhoods?
- Many communities regulate exterior appearance, landscaping, parking, pets, rentals including short-term rentals, and use of amenities, but the exact rules vary by the documents.
How much are HOA dues in Tega Cay and what do they cover?
- Dues vary by community and amenities, so request the current budget, meeting minutes, and disclosures to verify amounts, inclusions, and any planned increases.
Can a South Carolina HOA place a lien or foreclose for unpaid dues?
- Many associations have lien rights for unpaid assessments and may foreclose if allowed by their documents and law, so check collection policies and account status before closing.
Do I need ARC approval before I change my fence, paint, or driveway?
- In many Tega Cay HOAs, exterior changes require ARC approval, so review the architectural guidelines and timeline and apply before scheduling work.
