A new Minnesota law, SF1750, was passed this year to amend portions of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 515B, the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (MCIOA). Intended to strengthen protections for homeowners, the law requires many homeowners associations (HOAs) to update bylaws and other governing documents. With many provisions of the law going into effect on January 1, 2027, now is the time for HOAs to work with an experienced attorney to ensure their documents are in compliance.

Among other things, SF1750 requires HOAs to:

• Expand owner access to association records and financial information
• Modify meeting notice, transparency, and owner participation requirements
• Establish new procedures and limitations related to rule enforcement and fines
• Restrict certain late fees, attorney fees, and adopt a collection policy
• Revise foreclosure-related requirements
• Alter governance and voting procedures in various circumstances

Chapters 515B, 515 and 515A—Nuances to the Requirements of SF1750

The majority of HOAs in Minnesota are governed by MCIOA. But depending on whether your HOA is generally subject to MCIOA and when it was established, the new law brings different compliance requirements.

Because of nuances like these, HOAs should be aware that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to reviewing and updating their documents. I personally have seen advice being given by HOA management companies that is not tailored to each HOA’s particular situation. However, those of us who work regularly with HOAs are well versed in these differences and can advise individual associations based on their unique circumstances. In my work with HOA clients, I also like to offer advice on “must-do” versus “nice-to-do” changes and determine how to create documents that will best position the organization for the future.

Prepare Now for 2027

Associations have a limited window to evaluate their governing documents, and failure to implement the required changes could expose an HOA to owner challenges and potential liability. If you represent an HOA in need of counsel on the changes required by SF1750, please contact me for a review of your documents.