Homeowner associations (HOAs) are entities that enforce the rules for living in a community that chooses to be governed. They are common in planned developments; you join them and agree to their terms and fees when you close on a home in a community with an HOA. Read the article………………………..
Homeowner Participation Makes Better Associations
As an owner of your home, you are a member of an organization, and there is more to it than just paying your monthly assessments. It would be best if you familiarized yourself with your Governing Documents. If you are unsure what those are, they include your Association’s Declaration, Bylaws, and Rules & Regulations. Read […]
Is It Okay To Install Basketball Hoops in HOA Neighborhood Streets? (NC)
It is not uncommon to come across rules regarding basketball hoops in HOA communities. But, can homeowners associations even enforce such rules? Read the article………………………..
Community Association Terms: Definitions and Explanations
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably seen community association terms and acronyms bandied about but don’t really know what they mean. Fear not! We’re here to help. This post will define some of community associations’ most common terms and acronyms. So, whether you’re a new homeowner or board member, read on to learn more! […]
Condo and HOA Maintenance: Who is Responsible?
There are many benefits to being a member of a condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community association. By paying assessments, unit owners share the cost for a variety of association expenses including common area maintenance (ex. lobbies, hallways, elevators), amenities (ex. club house, gym, pool), landscaping, utilities, and more. Read the article………………………..
Can a Homeowner Really Do That? (IL)
This article will discuss common circumstances that arise in community associations. Always remember that not all community associations are alike, and you should always consult the governing documents for your Association and the applicable statute governing your community association. Read the article………………………..
The Reasons You Should Always Keep Up On Your HOA Payments
Every month, you write a check to the homeowners association (HOA) because you have to, but you wonder where those funds are going. Do you really need to make this payment, and what would happen if you just stopped doing so? Read the article………………………..
Your guide to HOAs & solar panels: 5 strategies to get approval
In many areas, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can present significant barriers to homeowners’ ability to install solar. In 2020, for example, Solar United Neighbors estimated that HOAs wrongly denying residents the ability to go solar had cost Virginia solar contractors more than $7 million in retail solar sales since 2014. Read the article………………………..
Condominium Repairs: Who Is Responsible? Condo Owners Or The COA
Condominium repairs are an inevitable part of condo ownership. But, not all elements of a condo unit fall under the responsibility of the owner. Sometimes, the condo association is on the hook for maintenance and repairs. Read the article………………………..
PAINTING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME WHEN YOU LIVE IN A HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION OR SITE CONDOMINIUM
We have all heard of that bright pink or purple house that somehow exists as an eyesore or curiosity in an otherwise traditional neighborhood. How did it come to be here? Aren’t the neighbors furious about it? Read the article………………………..
6 Helpful Ideas to Increase Participation in Your HOA
Strong, healthy communities require participation and cooperation from HOA Board members, homeowners, volunteers, and HOA managers. But it seems that most people are busier than ever and being available for HOA meetings or events doesn’t always make it to the top of their to-do list! Read the article………………………..
HOA Gardening Rules | Can I plant flowers by my condo (GA)
It’s important to note any HOA gardening rules and guidelines in your community whether you would consider yourself to have a green thumb or are just looking to pick up a new hobby. Any landscaping you do to common property may require board approval, despite how beautiful you may believe it to be, because of […]
HOAs can be sued: proceed with caution
First, this article is not to be taken as legal advice Limitations on the length of this article preclude addressing exceptions and minutia in legal issues. It is meant to represent a high level understanding of what can result when a homeowner(s) sues an HOA. Read the entire article……………………………….
Grilling in an HOA Community (Go-To Guide)
It’s officially grilling season, which means it’s time to fire up the barbecue and enjoy some delicious food. However, if you live in an HOA community, there are some guidelines that you need to follow to stay within the rules. Here are four helpful tips that’ll ensure your cookout goes smoothly. Read the entire article……………………………….
5 Common HOA Rules: Why They’re So Prevalent & Here to Stay
Part of being a resident within a homeowners’ association (HOA) involves fulfilling responsibilities to the community—maintaining your property, paying assessments, and, maybe most importantly, following the rules. While every association is unique and has its own set of guidelines, there are some regulations that are necessary to maintain structure in all communities. Read the entire article……………………………….
From Insurance to Landscaping, Homeowners Are Paying More for Just About Everything
Homeowners are getting hit with higher costs from all angles. Take Eric Hegwer, a homeowner from Leander, Texas, for example. He saw his home’s assessed property more than double this year. That would be good news if he was looking to sell or take out a home equity loan, but he’s not. “This means my […]
What to do when you don’t agree with your Homeowner’s Association (OH)
Susan Gorman has lived in her Hilliard-area condo since 2012, but in late 2020, things changed after so-called “upgrades” were made to the parking lot. “You just don’t have much room to maneuver around here,” Gorman said. “I have property damage to my car where my neighbor kept hitting it. Because there’s just not enough […]
A Member’s Guide to Understanding the HOA’s Governing Documents
The governing documents of an association contain the rules, regulations, and other contractual obligations to which members are obligated. When you purchase a home in a governed community association, you instantly become a member. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo Boards Can Make Mistakes (FL)
Condominium living has a lot of benefits. Many condominiums have socials and other activities. Associations manage amenities that might not be available in a single-family home. Someone else takes care of painting, mowing, pool maintenance and the unit owner only has to worry about the inside of the owner’s unit. Read the entire article……………………………….
6 HOA Violations & How to Avoid Them
A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a private body made up of members of society who own property within a common area, led by an elected board of volunteers. The association’s main objective is to grow and add value to the property by protecting communal regions and setting rules and regulations. Read the entire article……………………………….
What to consider before ripping out your lawn
The grass lawn is as much a part of the lore of the American suburban dream as white picket fences and apple pies. But that page may be turning—some Americans are reconsidering why they continue to put money and time into this less-than-eco-friendly part of the home.Read the entire article……………………………….
Easy Ways to Soundproof Your Condo
If you live in an apartment or condo, you most likely share a few walls with your neighbors. Condo walls are generally not made of particularly thick materials, which might not necessarily be a problem; however, many things can happen in life that result in some extra noise, such as having a baby, adopting a […]
Condo Adviser: Unsure if your condo association is operating appropriately? Here’s what to look for (IL)
Q. I live in a large, professionally managed condominium association and believe there are irregularities regarding the board’s administration of the association. Examples include disbursements of association funds and the approval of contracts without a board vote at a board meeting, and unit owners do not receive financial reports. What information is a unit owner […]
Participation is required for HOA members, boards (NV)
I have had so many conversations with new homeowner association board members and how they work with homeowners and management companies and how they see themselves in their roles. I thought I would address this in a series of columns. Read the entire article……………………………….
Having HOA Neighbor Knowledge
One of any homeowner association’s challenges is helping neighbors “make nice”. The board is frequently called on to mediate disputes and fine neighbors for doing bad things. Actually, it’s not the board’s job and in most cases, except those that directly impact the common area, these “opportunities” should be bounced back to the complainer to […]
How to Be a Better Homeowner in an HOA
The homeowners, like the HOA board, have responsibilities. Below, we will address some of your questions and highlight some of your duties as a homeowner. Read the entire article……………………………….
New HOA Holiday Guide
The holiday season is here. Many homeowners associations may choose to develop holiday and religious display guidelines that are easy for residents to follow and simple to enforce. Have a happy holiday with these tips. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hosting A Thanksgiving Party In An HOA? Be Prepared First
Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family get together to eat, catch up, and have fun. But, if you’re throwing a Thanksgiving party in an HOA, there are a few more preparations you need to make note of. Read the entire article……………………………….
How to Get Your Condo or Homeowners Financial Records (FL)
If you live in a condo or homeowners association, you may wonder: where is all your money going? Do you have a right to the records, and if so how do you get them? Which is why one South Florida woman called Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser. Read the entire article……………………………….
Limited Common Elements: What Are They and Who Is Responsible? (FL)
Condominiums generally consist of the following two components: 1) the units that are subject to exclusive ownership by one or more persons, and 2) the common elements, which are any areas not included within the unit boundaries. Unit owners, in addition to the exclusive ownership of their units, also own an undivided share in the […]
Your Condo Building Had a Fire: What Happens Next?
A fire in your building can be life-changing. If your unit was directly affected, you may be dealing with feelings of loss and trauma. Even if your unit is spared, you may still have to find somewhere else to live while the repairs take place – and that can take a very long time. Read […]
How Serving on Your HOA Board Benefits You
Maybe you’re new to living in an HOA community, or maybe you’ve lived in one for a long time and think it is time to get more involved. Either way, you’re probably wondering if you have what it takes to serve on an HOA board. You might be surprised to learn that most HOA board […]
Top 6 HOA Terms Every Resident Should Know
Becoming a homeowner is a dream come true for many people. Whether living in a condo, an apartment in the suburbs, or your lovely single-family detached home, it’s always fascinating to at least know you own it?? HOAs are legal, non-profit associations created by residential developers in a specific location and share common amenities. Most […]
The Importance of Understanding HOA Rules
There are many rules and regulations that members must follow when living in an HOA, and for good reason! The governing documents set forth specific guidelines that must be enforced by the board of directors. From parking rules to short-term rental restrictions, to home maintenance standards and architectural controls, HOA rules can at times seem […]
How to respond to an HOA violation letter
Violation letters are about as pleasing as a December credit card bill. Regardless of whether an owner was expecting a violation letter or not, it tends to strike a nerve. These letters are sent to owners who have allegedly broken an association rule, but it’s important to remember that violation letters aren’t meant to punish […]
Ask a real estate pro: What can homeowners do when the HOA board isn’t doing its job?
Q: Our association’s board of directors is not doing their job. Overgrown landscaping, boats and inoperable vehicles in driveways, and houses that need painting are among the many problems in our community. What can a homeowner do when their board and management company are ineffective? Read the Q&A……………………………..
Dealing with HOA Harassment (CO)
Over the past year we have been required to spend much more time at home. During that time, some of us attempted to tutor our children through virtual schooling. We canceled vacations, graduations, and other important events. These stressors did not bring out the best in everyone. Many HOA board members, and every manager, have […]
Condo safety is often about the money—how to check out if a building is vulnerable to risks
We are all horrified about the Surfside, Fla. condo collapse, and our hearts go out to families and friends of the victims. This type of tragedy is, thankfully, uncommon, but does bring up an important question: How can you know if your retirement condo building is safe and the ways to evacuate in an emergency? […]
Can HOA Boards be Overridden through Group Action by Owners? (VA)
Many owners want to know what options they have to overturn bad board decisions without using litigation and when waiting to the annual director election isn’t an option. This raises the issue of what legally binding results “community organizing” can accomplish when the board majority appears to have already made up their mind. Many try […]
Bass column: How I fought the HOA so I could fly the ‘W’ flag again (OH)
I could not believe the email I was reading. That team flag I was flying at my townhouse? Stop doing that. That sign of joy that baseball had returned from the pandemic and my team had won? Take it down. Read the entire article……………………………….
Best Practices to Prevent Package Theft in Your Community
Package theft has become the scourge of modern neighborhoods. With online orders at an all-time high, receiving packages has become normal for families and professionals. But porch piracy also makes the neighborhood feel unsafe. It’s not just annoying to lose a package, it’s also costly and frightening. This is exactly the kind of thing that […]
How to Avoid Common HOA Violations
Enjoying the benefits of living in an HOA is a two-way street. You must abide by the association’s rules to make the most of your membership. There have been many incidences of residents violating HOA rules without even realizing it! You can avoid these mistakes by being proactive, familiarizing yourself with your association’s governing documents, […]
What’s in a family? (NH)
One of the trends in condominium associations is an increase in the number of people living in units. Kids return after college or stay long after high school graduation; like the Brady Bunch, someone remarries and brings their two children into the existing family with two kids, now there are six living where three used […]
How to Fight a California HOA (Homeowner Association) Architectural Committee and Win
While the Board of a Homeowner Association (HOA) in California has wide discretion to act on behalf of its members through its architectural, landscape and other committees and to either fine you, send you a violation notice or require you to take actions which may be expensive, you have options to fight an unjust arbitrary, […]
5 Rights You Need To Know As A Condo Owner (CA)
Owning a condo in the city is a dream for many. And while it does come with a ton of perks, if you’re a new condo owner, you might not know some of the rights that you have. It’s important to know these things so in case of a dispute, you know where to stand. […]
Community Association Records: What Members Are And Aren’t Entitled To See (NC)
As a community association board member, you’ve likely received requests from members to see various association documents. Though these requests can seem simple on the surface, there are laws and statutes in both North and South Carolina that dictate what types of records members can and cannot see. Read the entire article……………………………….
Productive Community Association Board Meetings: Be Heard at Your Next Board Meeting
The management of a community takes the efforts of board members and ample collaboration from homeowners. The boards of the Homeowners Associations(HOA) and Condominium Owners Associations(COA) convene frequently to improve management. Some of the reasons these meetings are conducted are to make decisions on waste management, utilities, maintenance of roads, and a review of fees. […]