When HOAs Say No: Guardian Rights on Private Property

For many Guardians, the greatest challenge isn’t feeding or trapping cats — it’s dealing with human opposition. One of the most common roadblocks comes from Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) that prohibit feeding or caring for cats in their communities.

These conflicts can leave Guardians feeling isolated, harassed, or even threatened with fines and legal action. But as an Ordained Guardian, your work is not a casual hobby — it is a spiritual practice and a religious duty. That means you have rights.

The Difference Between Private and Shared Property

Understanding where you feed and care for cats makes all the difference:

• On Someone Else’s Property: If you don’t own the property and don’t have permission, you’re limited. Guardians can still provide compassionate care, but legal protections are weaker. If you’re harassed, Guardians of the Cats can draft letters, remind others of your spiritual protections, and seek to mediate — but moving feeding stations elsewhere may be necessary.

• On Your Own Property (if you rent):Renters must follow lease agreements, which often prohibit feeding stray animals outside. In these cases, Guardianship may be practiced in subtler or alternative ways, or letters may be sent on your behalf asking landlords to accommodate your faith practice.

• On Your Own Property (if you own your home):This is the strongest position. Feeding cats inside your property — your backyard, porch, or fenced-in area — is protected as part of your household practices and spiritual duty. Unless your actions cause a proven nuisance, HOAs and neighbors have very limited power to intervene.

When You Own Your Home but the HOA Objects

Even as a homeowner, HOAs govern shared spaces and enforce community rules through CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions).

• Inside Your Property (yard, porch, patio, fenced areas):You hold the strongest rights here. Your care for cats is an extension of your household and your religious exercise. If the HOA tries to prohibit feeding on your property, this could be challenged as a substantial burden on religious practice under RLUIPA.

• Common Areas (greenbelts, sidewalks, community lots):HOAs typically can regulate these spaces. If you are feeding cats in these areas, they may have grounds to stop you. In these cases, moving feeding stations to your own property is the safest step.

Where RLUIPA Comes In

RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act) provides protections for individuals whose religious practices are burdened by zoning or property-use regulations.

That means:

• If an HOA, city, or landlord tells you that you cannot feed or care for cats on your own property, this can be challenged as a violation of your rights.

• Guardians of the Cats can draft clergy letters affirming that your activities are a faith-based practice, not a casual act.

• If harassment continues, we can escalate to legal advocacy, bringing in attorneys who understand both religious freedom and animal law.

How Guardians of the Cats Helps

When Guardians face harassment from HOAs or neighbors, we can provide:

• Official Letters — Sent to HOA boards or individuals explaining your recognition as an Ordained Guardian and your right to feed and care for cats as a religious duty.

• Protections Guidance — Clarity on where your rights are strongest (your own yard) and where restrictions may apply (shared HOA property).

• Legal Advocacy — If needed, connect you with lawyers experienced in religious rights and animal welfare law.

• Fellowship Support — A network of Guardians who understand the weight of this calling and stand with you in solidarity.

Bottom line:

• If you’re on your own property, especially as a homeowner, you hold strong protections.

• If the HOA tries to regulate what you do inside your own yard, Guardians of the Cats can step in with letters, advocacy, and legal support.

• If you’re in shared or public spaces, the protections are weaker, but you are not powerless — fellowship, clergy letters, and mediation can still make a difference.

Next Step: If you are facing HOA pushback, contact Guardians of the Cats. We can draft letters, help you understand your rights, and ensure that your sacred duty to the cats is honored.