Generally yes for work inside your unit, with two checks worth doing before you swing a hammer. Cosmetic work confined to the inside, like flooring, cabinets, paint, and fixtures, typically doesn't need HOA approval, since the association mainly governs shared and structural elements. Two caveats sit on top of that: city building permits can still apply depending on the scope, and some communities' CC&Rs specifically require HOA sign-off even on interior projects. Read the CC&Rs before assuming you're clear. Anything structural is the bigger flag. A real example from our own experience: a renovation of a 1974-original condo in a desert community, with plans that moved walls, did require HOA approval. The board, older former contractors who weren't current on today's codes, initially pushed back and second-guessed plans the city had already approved and a licensed contractor and engineer had signed off on. Showing that everything was properly permitted and approved got the project moving again. The lesson: pull your CC&Rs early, figure out which permits your scope triggers, and if you're touching walls, get HOA approval lined up before the crew shows up. A cosmetic refresh is usually simple. A layout change deserves the paperwork up front.