Petersen’s Homeowners Bill of Rights passes General Assembly

Sen. Chap Petersen’s Homeowners Bill of Rights passed the House of Delegates unanimously today, the bill now moves to the Governor’s desk.

The bill, SB 1008, codifies a series of protections for homeowners that live in a home owners’ association (HOA) or condominium associations.

The Homeowners’ Bill of Rights consists of five provisions –

• The right to inspect all books and records
• The right to cast a vote on any matter requiring a vote
• The right to have notice of all meetings and to record the meetings
• The right to have notice of any proceeding conducted against the owner and to have the right of due process
• The right to serve in elected office if duly elected –

Statement of Senator Petersen: “To quote James Madison, ‘the advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.’ The Homeowners’ Bill of Rights codifies protections for homeowners in a clear and direct manner. Homeowners can use these protections to protect themselves from overzealous HOA and condo associations. I’m glad both the House and the Senate agree that these protections deserve to be enshrined in the Code of Virginia.”

Statement of Flora Nicholas, Fairfax County Resident: “I’m delighted that the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights has been by the General Assembly and I’d like to thank Senator Chap Petersen for drafting the bill and working so hard to ensure its passage. When it becomes law, Virginians will now be able to hold HOAs like ours accountable for their oppressive and abusive actions.”