Community associations are governed by state, local and federal law. State statutes regulate association governance and procedures. Local laws which affect associations include towing and zoning ordinances. Federal laws affecting community associations include laws concerning bankruptcy, collection procedures, fair housing, taxation, employment, telecommunications, and the environment. Additionally, new legislation is often proposed but not enacted. Maryland LawsMaryland laws concerning community associations include the Maryland Condominium Act, Maryland Homeowners Association Act, Maryland Cooperative Housing Act, and the Maryland Contract Lien Act. The general Maryland real property and corporate laws also affect community associations. In addition, some counties have enacted local laws which regulate community association activities. Many of these laws can be found in ourMaryland Legal Handbook. District of Columbia LawsThe District of Columbia Condominium Act governs condominiums in the District of Columbia. Cooperatives are regulated by the District of Columbia Cooperative Housing Act. The general corporate and real property laws of the District of Columbia also apply. Federal LawsCommunity associations are also affected by a variety of federal laws including the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Telecommunications Act, the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Internal Revenue Code, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and employment discrimination and job safety laws. Federal agencies responsible for administering and enforcing these laws include the Department of Justice, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Federal Communications Commission. These agencies issue federal regulations which clarify and implement federal laws. |