How to Find CC&Rs for Any HOA in Arizona

What Are CC&Rs, Exactly?

CC&Rs — short for Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions — are the legally binding rules that govern what you can and can’t do with your property in a planned community or HOA neighborhood. They cover everything from paint colors and fence heights to whether you can park your RV in the driveway or rent your home on Airbnb.

CC&Rs are recorded against a property when a subdivision or planned community is created. They run with the land — meaning they apply to every owner, not just the original buyer. When you purchase a home in an HOA community, you’re automatically agreeing to follow them.

Think of CC&Rs as the neighborhood’s constitution. The HOA board enforces them, but the board didn’t write them — the original developer did. They typically cover:

• Architectural guidelines — exterior paint colors, roof materials, fencing, solar panels, satellite dishes
• Landscaping requirements — front yard maintenance, approved plants, rock vs. grass (a big deal in Arizona)
• Rental and leasing restrictions — minimum lease terms, short-term rental bans, investor caps
• Pet policies — breed restrictions, number of pets, weight limits
• Vehicle and parking rules — RV/boat storage, commercial vehicles, street parking overnight
• Use restrictions — home-based business rules, noise ordinances, holiday decoration timelines

Why You Should Read the CC&Rs Before Making an Offer

If you’re buying a home in the Phoenix metro, you need to read the CC&Rs before you close. Most buyers don’t see them until they’re already in escrow — and by then, backing out over a rule you don’t like gets complicated. The good news is that Arizona makes CC&Rs a public record, and you can look them up yourself in about five minutes.

I’ve seen buyers fall in love with a home only to find out after closing that they can’t build the pool they wanted, can’t park their work truck in the driveway, or can’t rent the property out if they need to relocate. These aren’t edge cases — they happen regularly across the Valley.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Rental restrictions — If you’re an investor or might need to rent your home later, check for minimum lease terms (many communities require 6- or 12-month minimums) and look for investor caps that could block you from renting entirely.
• Short-term rental bans — Arizona passed a law in 2022 giving HOAs more power to regulate short-term rentals. Many communities have since updated their CC&Rs to restrict or ban them.
• Architectural approval process — Want to repaint, add a patio cover, or install artificial turf? Most HOAs require written approval before you start. The CC&Rs will tell you what needs approval and what the process looks like.
• Fines and enforcement — Some CC&Rs include specific fine schedules. Others give the board broad discretion. Either way, you want to know what you’re signing up for.
• Age restrictions — Some communities across the Valley are 55+ or have age-restricted sections. The CC&Rs will spell this out.

Other Ways to Get the CC&Rs

The county recorder search works great for Maricopa County, but there are a few other ways to get your hands on the CC&Rs:

• Ask your real estate agent — A good agent will pull the CC&Rs for you before you write an offer. This is something I do for every buyer I work with.
• Request them from the HOA or management company — Arizona law (A.R.S. § 33-1806) requires HOAs to provide a disclosure packet to buyers. This packet includes the CC&Rs, bylaws, financial statements, and meeting minutes. There’s usually a fee ($200–$400), and it’s typically ordered during escrow.
• Check the title company — During escrow, the title company will pull recorded CC&Rs as part of the title search. But waiting until escrow means you’ve already committed to the purchase.
• Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) — For planned communities, you can search the ADRE Public Database for community information and disclosures.

What If You Disagree With Something in the CC&Rs?

If you find a rule you don’t like, you have a few options:

1. Walk away — If the CC&Rs are a dealbreaker, it’s better to find out now. There are plenty of communities across the Valley, and not all of them have the same restrictions.
2. Negotiate — Some rules might not be actively enforced. But “not enforced” and “not enforceable” are two very different things. The HOA can start enforcing any recorded rule at any time.
3. Buy in a non-HOA community — Not every neighborhood in the Phoenix metro has an HOA. If flexibility is your priority, I can help you find communities without one.
4. Get involved — If you buy in the community, you can run for the board and work to change rules through the amendment process.

CC&Rs Matter for Sellers, Too

If you’re selling a home in an HOA community, buyers will be reviewing your CC&Rs during the inspection period. Restrictive CC&Rs — especially around rentals, age limits, or architectural rules — can narrow your buyer pool and affect your home’s value. Make sure you’re in compliance with all CC&Rs before listing. Outstanding violations or unpaid fines will come up during escrow and can delay or kill a deal.