In This Guide
- What HOAs Restrict
- What's Usually Allowed
- How to Check
What Most HOAs Restrict
- Minimum square footage (often 1,200–2,000 sq ft)
- Manufactured homes and THOWs (often explicitly excluded)
- Exterior materials and appearance standards
- Parking rules (affects THOWs significantly)
What's Usually Allowed
Guest houses and ADUs built to the same exterior standards as the main home are often allowed. A well-finished cabin kit that matches the neighborhood aesthetic has better odds than a prefab with industrial appearance.
How to Check Before You Buy
- Request the CC&Rs before closing
- Look for minimum dwelling size requirements
- Ask the HOA board directly about tiny homes and ADUs
- Talk to neighbors who have added structures
Bottom line: Most traditional HOA communities are hostile to tiny homes as primary residences. Tiny home communities and rural land without HOAs are your best bets.