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 rights do condo and HOA owners have in Louisiana?

Louisiana condo and HOA owners have the right to: attend and vote at membership meetings; inspect association financial and governance records; receive proper notice of rule enforcement actions and an opportunity to be heard; challenge improperly levied assessments and fines; use common elements and limited common elements consistent with the governing documents; and bring legal action against the association for violations of the governing documents or applicable law.

Can an HOA restrict my use of my own property?

Within limits, yes. An HOA's declaration can restrict the use of properties within the planned community — prohibiting certain uses, requiring architectural approval for modifications, and establishing standards for maintenance. However, restrictions must be reasonable, clearly stated in the governing documents, applied consistently, and cannot violate state or federal law (including the Fair Housing Act or state constitutional protections).

Do I have the right to attend HOA board meetings?

In most cases, yes — subject to the governing documents. Most HOA bylaws allow owners to attend open sessions of board meetings. Executive sessions (addressing pending litigation, personnel matters, specific delinquencies) may be closed to owners. An association that systematically excludes owners from board meetings may be violating the governing documents.

Can an HOA fine me without notice?

No. Due process requirements in the governing documents and Louisiana law generally require that owners receive written notice of an alleged violation, a reasonable opportunity to cure, and the right to a hearing before the board before a fine is imposed. An HOA that imposes fines without following these procedures has likely exceeded its authority, and the fine may be unenforceable.

What can I do if the HOA is not following its own rules?

Options include: written demand that the association comply with the governing documents; requesting a hearing before the board; seeking mediation; filing suit for declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or damages; and, in extreme cases, seeking court appointment of a receiver to manage the association. Attorney's fees may be recoverable under the governing documents or Louisiana law.

Can I withhold HOA assessments if the association is not maintaining common areas?

Generally no — withholding assessments is risky and can result in late fees, lien filing, and collection action against you even if your underlying complaint is valid. The proper course is to demand compliance through appropriate channels while continuing to pay assessed amounts under protest if necessary, and pursuing legal remedies separately. Consult an attorney before withholding any assessment payments.

How do I access my HOA's financial records?

Submit a written request to the association's registered agent or management company, specifically identifying the records you want to review. The governing documents typically specify the procedure. Louisiana law may also provide independent record inspection rights. If the association refuses or ignores a valid records request, consult an attorney — courts can compel compliance and award attorney's fees.

Can I sue my HOA for failing to enforce the rules against my neighbor?

This is a challenging but not impossible claim. An association's enforcement decisions are generally protected by the business judgment rule. However, if enforcement is so grossly inconsistent that it constitutes selective enforcement or breach of fiduciary duty, owners may have a claim. Courts are reluctant to micro-manage enforcement decisions but will intervene in cases of clear arbitrary or discriminatory conduct.

HOA & Condo Law

Condo & HOA Owner Rights — Louisiana

Records Access · Improper Fines · Due Process · Selective Enforcement · Owner Remedies

Louisiana condominium and HOA owners have significant rights under state law and their governing documents: the right to attend and vote at meetings; inspect financial records; receive due process before fines are imposed; challenge improper assessments; use common elements; and bring legal action against an association for violations of the governing documents or applicable law. The Rhodes Law Firm represents owners whose rights are being violated. Free consultation: (504) 475-0975.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Condominium & HOA Law — Owner Rights · Last Updated: September 23, 2026

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

Key Owner Rights in Louisiana

Right to Attend Meetings

Attend and vote at annual and special membership meetings. Be heard on agenda items.

Right to Inspect Records

Review financial records, meeting minutes, contracts, and governing documents.

Right to Due Process

Receive written notice of violations and an opportunity to be heard before fines are imposed.

Right to Challenge Assessments

Contest improperly levied assessments, special assessments, and fines through proper procedures.

Right to Use Common Elements

Use common areas (pool, gym, parking) consistent with the governing documents and association rules.

Right to Use Limited Common Elements

Exclusive use of assigned parking, balconies, and other designated limited common elements.

Right to Equal Enforcement

Be subject to the same rules and enforcement as other owners similarly situated.

Right to Sue the Association

Bring legal action for breach of the declaration, bylaws, or applicable law.

Speak With a Condo & HOA Owner Rights Attorney

Jonathan M. Rhodes fights for owners whose rights are being violated. Free initial consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Related Condo & HOA Resources

Selective Enforcement

Unequal treatment defense.

HOA Disputes

Full HOA dispute services.

Condominium Disputes

Condo-specific rights.

Assessment & Fee Disputes

Challenging improper fees.

Condo & HOA Law Hub

All HOA & condo services.

Condo & HOA Owner Rights in Louisiana — FAQ

Your HOA Is Not Above the Law.

Free consultation for condo and HOA owners whose rights are being violated.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975