Missouri enforces HOA CCRs under the Merchants and Property Owners Association Act and covenant law. HOAs can fine, lien, and seek injunctions. Selective enforcement and waiver are common defenses.
Missouri courts enforce recorded covenants running with the land under traditional real estate law. The Missouri Merchants and Property Owners Association Act (Chapter 407 RSMo provisions) governs certain aspects of POA operations, and Chapter 448 RSMo covers condominiums. Enforcement tools include: written violation notices with cure periods, graduated fines per CCR schedules ($25 to $500 common), liens for unpaid fines, injunctive relief through circuit court, and attorneys fees when authorized by the declaration. Homeowner defenses include selective enforcement (HOA ignored others), waiver (HOA let the violation continue), ambiguity in covenants (construed against drafter), and statute of limitations (generally 10 years for written covenants in Missouri per RSMo 516.110).
CCR violation: fine per schedule. Continued violation: escalating fines and lien. Injunction: removal of offending structure at homeowner expense.
See how St. Louis's cc&r enforcement rules stack up against other locations.
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