The Difference Between Neighborhood Associations & Homeowners Associations
What makes a neighborhood association different than a homeowners association?
March 25, 2026
Neighborhood Associations
A Neighborhood Association is a voluntary organization of residents who work together to improve and maintain the quality of life in its neighborhood. Neighborhood Associations can form out of concern over a particular issue or as a means of enhancing a sense of community.
- Membership is open to all property owners, residents, and businesses in the neighborhood, but participation is voluntary; boundaries are established by the association.
- There is no legal authority to enact or enforce maintenance or design requirements beyond those established by City and/or County Ordinances.
- In Albuquerque, neighborhood associations cannot charge mandatory dues. Dues can be voluntary, but membership and voting rights within a City-recognized neighborhood association cannot be based on payment of dues.
Homeowners Associations
Homeowners Associations are formal legal entities created to maintain common areas and enforce private deed restrictions. Most condominium and townhouse developments and some newer single-family subdivisions have homeowners associations which are usually created when the development is built.
- Membership is mandatory for all property owners within the boundaries of the development.
- Members are usually charged mandatory dues.
- Homeowners associations have the legal authority to enact and enforce maintenance and design standards in addition to those established by City or County ordinance.