Federal Issues and Resources

CAI maintains a robust network of advocacy at the federal level, and continues to keep members informed of relevant legislation and rulemaking. Learn more about federal bills that CAI is currently advocating for, as well as federal statutes and rules which are applicable to community associations.

Learn More About CAI’s Federal Advocacy

H.R. 3777, the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act

CAI supports the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 3777) because it: Allows FEMA's Public Assistance Program to reimburse costs related to disaster debris removal from community association roads and waterways. Allows FEMA's Individuals and Households Assistance Program to provide assistance to condominium unit homeowners for critical common element repairs after a natural disaster.

H.R. 4465, the Making Condos Safer and More Affordable Act

CAI supports the Making Condos Safer and More Affordable Act (H.R. 4465) because it: Expands the scope of available loans for condominium structural repairs through opening up key federal programs Allows FHA-insured condominium association loans to be used for the rehabilitation, alteration, repair, improvement, or replacement of a condominium project’s common systems, infrastructure, and facilities

H.R. 4035/S. 2623 Protecting Small Business Information Act of 2023 (Corporate Transparency Act Fixes)

CAI supports the Protecting Small Business Information Act of 2023 (H.R. 4035/S. 2623) because it: Delays implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act by 1 year to allow for additional time to implement needed fixes to the law and protect community association homeowners

H.R. 1477/S.722, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act

CAI supports the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S.722) because it: Expands eligible uses of tax-favorable 529 savings plans to cover costs associated with workforce training and credentialing programs such as CAI’s education and credential opportunities

H.R. 4006/S.3690, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act

CAI opposes the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (H.R. 4006/S.3690) because it: Isn't needed to support existing community disaster responses. This type of legislation is an attempt to circumvent community rules and take decision-making authority away from community association homeowners. Not only is this unnecessary, it degrades the underlying concept of community association governance, which is based on private contractual obligations of the community’s homeowners.

Learn More About Current Federal Statutes and Rules Applicable to Community Associations

Americans with Disabilities Act

USC 42-126 and USC 47-5 protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in housing and employment opportunities.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

USC 15-1692-1692(p) governs the collections of debt, setting limitations on the practices that debt collectors can engage in when collecting a debt, and establishing a baseline of consumer protection for individuals with debts.

Fair Housing Act

USC 42-45 protects individuals from acts of discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in related activities.

Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005

This act of Congress prohibits condominium associations, cooperative associations, and community association managers from prohibiting the display of the American flag on property which is exclusive to a unit. It allows for reasonable rules and regulations on time/manner/place and to protect common areas.

  • Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 Text

Mortgage Financing

The current mortgage finance system is dominated by two congressionally chartered companies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These companies support the mortgage finance system by ensuring mortgage lenders have a stable supply of funds to lend to homeowners.

Over the Air Reception Devices Rule

This rule from the Federal Communications Commission governs the use of amateur radio antennas by homeowners- it allows the placement of antennas that meet height restrictions on private property. The rule allows community associations and landlords to enforce restrictions that do not impair the installation, maintenance or use antennas, as well as restrictions needed for safety or historic preservation. Restrictions on common areas are also allowed.

  • Over the Air Reception Devices Rule FCC webpage

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

USC 50-501-597b protects active-duty service members from civil legal proceedings while on deployment, including foreclosure proceedings.

Become a CAI Advocate

If state or federal legislation impacting your community is introduced, you can sign up to receive an advocacy alert email that includes easy ways for you to act. The more people that act, the better we can protect   people living and working in community associations.