Missouri HOA Laws 2026: Uniform Condominium Act & Planned Community Rules (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 448.1-101)

Missouri's Condominium Property Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 448.1-101 through 448.4-120) is based on the Uniform Condominium Act. Planned community HOAs in Missouri rely on their CC&Rs and Missouri nonprofit corporation law. Missouri courts have a strong history of enforcing CC&R restrictive covenants, making proper documentation especially important for Missouri HOA boards.

Missouri Condominium Act: Core Provisions

The Act establishes requirements for the condominium declaration, plat, association governance, unit owner rights, and the right to collect and lien for unpaid assessments. Missouri condominiums have a statutory lien for unpaid assessments (§ 448.3-116) that has priority over all liens except first mortgages and tax liens.

Planned Community HOAs: Strong Court Enforcement

Missouri courts have been notably consistent in enforcing CC&R restrictive covenants. Courts apply the "four corners" rule — if the restriction is clearly stated in the recorded CC&Rs, it will be enforced. This means Missouri boards with well-drafted CC&Rs have strong enforcement authority, while those with vague or ambiguous restrictions face challenges.

Enforcement Procedures

Missouri does not set statutory fine procedures or caps for planned communities — those are entirely governed by the CC&Rs and rules. Best practice: written notice citing the specific CC&R provision, a reasonable cure period (14-30 days), opportunity for a hearing before the board, and a documented fine schedule. Courts scrutinize whether the association followed its own procedures.

Assessment Collection

For planned community HOAs, lien rights must come from the CC&Rs — Missouri does not grant automatic statutory lien rights to non-condo associations. Most Missouri planned community CC&Rs do include lien rights. Foreclosure of HOA liens in Missouri is judicial.