Privatopia: Homeowner Associations and the Rise of Residential Private Government

Condominiums, co—ops, planned unit developments of single—family homes—these and other forms of common interest housing developments (CIDs) have become a familiar sight in America. Currently there are approximately 130,000 of these developments, housing some 30 million people. Residents are required to belong to homeowner associations, pay monthly fees, and live under the rule of residential private governments. These governments perform functions for their residents that were once the prov...