What you should know about HOAs

Once the new development of single-family homes, townhouses or condos is complete, the association nominates and votes for homeowners as board members. The board is responsible for ongoing management of the association, including creating new rules, collecting payment of dues, and maintaining common areas. HOA monthly fees vary depending on where a community is located and the amount of services that are covered by that cost.

Some communities establish an association after the fact – these are called optional HOAs because membership is not required. 

How does an HOA work?

When you purchase a property within an HOA, you automatically become a member and are required to pay regular fees known as HOA dues. These fees contribute to the maintenance and management of the community, including services such as landscaping, trash collection, and common area upkeep.

Additionally, the HOA board of directors may make decisions on behalf of the community, which could involve approving architectural changes, resolving disputes, and enforcing rules.

What does an HOA do?

The main goal of a homeowner’s association is to promote harmony and preserve property values within the community. To achieve this, HOAs typically establish a set of rules and restrictions known as CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions).

These CC&Rs could potentially relate to various aspects of homeownership such as acceptable exterior paint colors, landscaping requirements, pet regulations, noise restrictions, and even guidelines on parking and storage.

Example of HOA rules

While HOA rules may vary from one community to another, here are some common examples to give you an idea of what they may apply to:

1. Exterior modifications: Some HOAs regulate the changes homeowners can make to the exterior of their properties, including the addition of structures like sheds, fences, or swimming pools.
2. Pet policies: HOAs may have guidelines regarding pet ownership, including breed restrictions, leash requirements, and rules on the number of pets allowed per household.
3. Noise restrictions: HOAs may implement quiet hours to ensure a peaceful living environment for all residents.
4. Parking regulations: HOAs may have guidelines regarding where residents can park, whether on-street or in designated spots, in an effort to maintain order and prevent overcrowding.

How do HOAs enforce rules?

HOAs may sometimes seem like enforcers of quirky rules, but they play an impactful role in creating and maintaining thriving communities. Here is a list of actions an HOA might take against homeowners that aren’t following the community rulebook:

1. Friendly warnings: When an HOA believes a rule violation has occurred, the first step is typically to send a friendly warning meant to bring a homeowner’s attention to the issue. These written requests let someone know what rules may have been broken and provide an opportunity to fix the situation without any major repercussions.
2. Fines: If the friendly warning goes unnoticed or repeated violations occur, the HOA might resort to taking action that’s bit more serious – fines. But don’t worry, their goal is not to empty your wallet. The point of fines is to encourage compliance with the established rules. Think of them as a gentle nudge meant to remind homeowners to maintain the community’s aesthetic appeal and stick to the guidelines for creating a pleasant atmosphere for everyone who lives there.
3. Legal action: Sometimes, despite all efforts to resolve rule violations, the HOA may need to turn to legal options as a last resort. This may happen if repeated or serious violations persist. Legal action might involve seeking court orders to enforce compliance or even placing liens on properties for non-compliance. However, this is generally the exception rather than the rule. HOAs typically prefer to maintain peace and harmony than engage in courtroom showdowns.