Why in the World are there HOAs?

Community associations have not always existed. They are relatively new to the way humans organize their living. They have always been political. In the United States, they were a product of builders not wanting to integrate their communities racially or religiously. In Pasadena, California, the Arroyo Seco Improvement Association was established in 1905 to establish an “upscale” community(1). Associations have continued to grow in numbers, size and influence. Community associations govern millions of people worldwide. Associations were and continue to be legally incorporated; their existence is codified by law. They self-fund their existence through dues paid by owners within the community. They have evolved in various forms to serve various purposes.