HOA Paint Colors

Approved palettes, faded paint notices, and how to get a color approved before you buy the cans.

Reviewed October 1, 20261 min read

This is general information for homeowners in the United States. It is not legal advice and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your CC&Rs and your state's current statute control. Read both, and talk with a lawyer licensed in your state before you rely on any of this.

Paint is the most common architectural notice because it is visible from the sidewalk. Communities handle it in two ways. Some publish a palette and let you pick. Some require you to submit chips and wait.

Get the approval in writing before the crew shows up. “The manager said beige was fine” is not an approval you can show a new board in three years. Use the architectural request, attach the chip or the brand and code, and keep the answer with your closing papers.

If the notice says your current paint is unapproved, ask when it was painted and whether a prior approval exists. Prior boards lose files. Your approval email may be the only copy. If the paint is simply weathered, curing is usually cheaper than a hearing. Ask for a reasonable deadline if the work is weather-dependent or the approved color is back-ordered. Put that request in writing so a daily fine does not start while the paint is in a warehouse.

Common questions

Can the HOA force me to repaint?

If the declaration requires homes to be kept in good repair and your paint is failing, yes, they often can require repainting. They still have to follow the notice process. A demand that you use only their vendor is a separate question. Read whether the documents actually require a specific contractor.

Sources

Architectural request letter