California Limits HOA Bans on Efficient Upgrades

Homeowners in California HOAs can upgrade to energy efficient windows and electric appliances under new rules taking effect in 2027.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Appliances

California Limits HOA Bans on Efficient Upgrades

Live Poll

Should HOAs be allowed to ban energy-efficient upgrades to your home?

California enacted Senate Bill 908, which bars homeowners associations from completely banning energy efficient window installation, and two companion bills affecting appliance and EV charger rules. The new statutes take effect in 2027.

Why it matters

Homeowners in HOA communities across California gain clearer rights to upgrade windows, swap fuel-gas appliances for permitted electric models, and add EV charging, which can affect long-term energy bills and home value. The laws were enacted in 2026 and are designed to reduce barriers to efficiency upgrades.

Senate Bill 908 sets a 10% threshold on cost increases and efficiency losses for HOA window rules, and limits aesthetic restrictions to buildings with 21 or more attached residences that are not townhomes. Homeowners who replace windows may be required to permanently maintain and repair them, though HOAs cannot charge for filing the maintenance agreement with the county recorder.

The players

California Legislature

The state lawmaking body that enacted the window, appliance, and EV charging protections for homeowners.

Davis-Stirling Act

California's core statute governing common interest developments and HOA rights, to which the new protected uses were added.

The details

Civil Code Section 4754 bars HOAs from completely banning energy efficient window installation, and a rule that raises installation cost or cuts efficiency by more than 10% is judged unreasonable. The law treats all windows serving a residence the same, whether they are part of the unit, exclusive use common area, or pure common area. Senate Bill 222 separately adds Civil Code Section 4737, which protects replacing fuel-gas appliances with electric models that meet building codes and are permitted. Senate Bill 1267 requires EV charging installers to indemnify or reimburse the HOA for losses from their work.

2026: California legislature enacted the three HOA-related bills.
2027: The new HOA protection laws take effect.

The Home Front

These laws add protected uses to the Davis-Stirling Act, which already listed 21 protections before Senate Bill 908 expanded it to 22. The changes follow a pattern of California limiting HOA authority over energy and appliance upgrades in common interest developments.

If you live in a California HOA, review your governing documents to see how window and appliance rules currently apply before planning an upgrade. Any window or appliance work should be done by a licensed professional, and a licensed attorney or your HOA board can confirm how the new rules apply to your property.

The takeaway

Energy efficient windows and electric appliances now have stronger legal protection from HOA bans in California. Keep your HOA's governing documents on file and confirm any window maintenance obligations before starting a project.