Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

What is the Louisiana Homeowners Association Act?

The Louisiana Homeowners Association Act (La. R.S. 9:1141.1 et seq.) governs planned communities and homeowners associations in Louisiana. It establishes requirements for association authority, owner rights, and governance. The Act works in conjunction with the association's governing documents — the declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, and architectural guidelines.

Can an HOA foreclose on my home in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law, an HOA can foreclose on a property for unpaid assessments if the declaration grants that right and the association follows proper procedures. Louisiana's executory process provides a pathway for lien foreclosure. However, the association must follow precise statutory procedures, and owners have rights to contest improper liens and assessments. Consult an attorney immediately if you receive a foreclosure notice.

Can an HOA tell me what color to paint my house?

If the HOA's declaration or architectural guidelines restrict exterior colors and require prior architectural review committee (ARC) approval, then yes — the HOA has the authority to enforce those restrictions. However, restrictions must be applied consistently and cannot be arbitrary. An owner who was denied approval without a valid reason, or whose neighbor was permitted to use the same color, may have a selective enforcement defense.

What is an architectural review committee?

An architectural review committee (ARC), sometimes called an architectural control committee (ACC), is a body established by the governing documents to review proposed modifications to properties within the planned community. Owners typically must obtain ARC approval before making changes to the exterior of their homes, landscaping modifications, or additions. ARC decisions must be made according to published standards and applied consistently.

Can an HOA enter my property without permission?

Generally no — an HOA's right to enter a private lot is limited to what is expressly authorized by the declaration. Declarations typically authorize entry only for inspection or maintenance of common areas, emergency access, or after notice for specific maintenance purposes. Unauthorized entry by an association or its agents may constitute a trespass and give rise to a damage claim.

What happens if I violate my HOA's rules?

Most HOAs follow a progressive enforcement process: written notice of the violation; opportunity to cure; hearing before the board if requested; imposition of fines if not cured; and potential lien for unpaid fines. The association must follow its own established procedures or the enforcement action may be invalid.

Can an HOA board make decisions without a meeting?

Some HOA bylaws permit the board to act by written consent without holding a formal meeting, particularly for routine matters. However, major decisions typically require a properly noticed board meeting with a quorum. Decisions made without following proper meeting requirements may be invalid and subject to challenge by owners.

Can I challenge a special assessment?

Yes. Special assessments must be authorized by the governing documents, properly noticed to owners, and levied according to the allocation formula in the declaration. Owners can challenge special assessments that exceed the board's authority, were not properly noticed, or were improperly allocated.

What are my rights if the HOA is not following its own rules?

An owner can demand that the association comply with its governing documents and applicable law. Remedies include written demand, mediation, and civil litigation seeking a declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or damages. Courts will generally enforce the clear language of governing documents against both associations and owners.

Can I record HOA board meetings?

Whether owners can record HOA meetings depends on the governing documents and Louisiana law. Louisiana is a one-party consent state for recording — one party to the conversation must consent. However, if the governing documents prohibit recording or the board has adopted a rule against it, that rule may apply to open meetings.

HOA Law

HOA Disputes Attorney — Louisiana

Covenant Enforcement · Assessment Disputes · Architectural Review · Board Authority

Louisiana homeowners association disputes involve covenant enforcement actions, assessment challenges, architectural review committee decisions, board authority disputes, record access denials, and selective enforcement claims. The Louisiana Homeowners Association Act (La. R.S. 9:1141.1 et seq.) and the association's governing documents govern these disputes. The Rhodes Law Firm represents both HOA boards and individual homeowners. Free consultation: (504) 475-0975.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Condominium & HOA Law, Real Estate Litigation · Last Updated: September 27, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

Common HOA Disputes We Handle

Covenant Enforcement Disputes

Challenging improper, inconsistent, or unenforceable restriction enforcement actions.

Architectural Review Denials

Appeals from ARC/ACC decisions — improper denials, applied inconsistently.

Assessment Collection Disputes

Delinquent assessment defense, improper lien challenges, special assessment appeals.

Board Authority Disputes

Action taken outside the board's authority; failure to follow proper procedures.

Selective Enforcement Claims

Enforcement against some owners but not others in similar circumstances.

Nuisance and Use Violations

Noise, pets, short-term rentals, and other use restriction enforcement and defense.

Election and Meeting Disputes

Improper elections, proxy fraud, quorum disputes, and meeting procedure violations.

Record Inspection Denials

Association refusal to provide financial records and governing documents.

Speak With an HOA Attorney

Jonathan M. Rhodes represents both HOA boards and individual homeowners in Louisiana. Free initial consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Attorney Commentary

"HOA disputes are rarely just about the rule being enforced — they're almost always about whether the rule was enforced the same way against everyone else. That's the selective enforcement question. When I represent homeowners in HOA disputes, the first thing I do is look at how the association has treated other owners in similar situations. When I represent associations, the first thing I do is make sure enforcement has been consistent. Inconsistency is the most common and most preventable source of HOA litigation."

— Jonathan M. Rhodes, HOA & Condo Attorney

Related HOA & Condo Resources

Condominium Disputes

Condo-specific disputes.

Selective Enforcement

Unequal rule application.

Owner Rights in Condos & HOAs

What owners can demand.

Assessment & Fee Disputes

Challenging improper fees.

Association Governance

Board duties and elections.

Condo & HOA Law Hub

All HOA & condo services.

Louisiana HOA Disputes — FAQ

HOA Dispute? We Can Help.

Representing both HOA boards and homeowners throughout Louisiana. Free initial consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975