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Homeowners Associations (HOAs) do great things, like providing amenities, maintaining common areas, and ensuring the neighborhood looks its best. As a resident of an HOA, you get the benefits but also have responsibilities. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your time in your community.
Take Advantage of HOA Benefits
Take time to understand and utilize all the HOA benefits and amenities available. If you see any issues the HOA should be addressing, please feel free to let them know; after all, you’re a part of the community, and the HOA works for you as well.
Understand Community Guidelines
Review your HOA’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). CC&Rs give specific information about the rules of the community. By understanding and following the CC&Rs, you’ll avoid violations and fines.
If You Receive a Notification
Typically, if there is a violation of HOA rules, HOAs will send a notification by mail or post it at your home. The notification may include the following:
Suppose you receive a notification, and it is determined that the violation is due to action or inaction on the part of someone in your home. In that case, an HOA Non-Compliance fee of $45 will be added to your GTR Brokerage account, payable with the following month’s rent.
Fines
In addition to the HOA Non-Compliance Fee, your HOA may impose a fine. The fine will typically range from $25 to $250 and vary by community and the type of violation. Fines may be a one-time charge or may accrue regularly. Fines can be issued daily for the same violation and increase with each additional violation. That means that a simple fine can quickly cost hundreds of dollars.
If You Receive a Fine
Correcting the violation and paying the fine will help ensure the fine stays as low as possible. This will also prevent an HOA from taking legal action to enforce compliance and payment, resulting in additional costs, including GTR Brokerage attorney’s fees, to defend and resolve the issue.
Here are some of the most common reasons people receive HOA fines and what you can do to avoid them.
Lawn
Mow and edge the grass regularly and keep it free from weeds. Fertilize seasonally so the grass looks its best year-round. Keep the lawn watered and free from debris, leaves, and clutter.
Irrigation Systems:
Setting the clock, testing the system weekly for correct function, adjusting sprinkler heads, and replacing broken ones, if needed.
Repairs to the clock, electronics, pumps, and underground pipes.
Landscaping
Keep all plants, from ground level to 8ft height, trimmed. Let us know immediately if taller trees need trimming, so we can take care of that for you. Remove debris and keep the landscaped areas free from weeds. If you have an irrigation system, ensure it works properly so your yard receives enough water and meets the landscaping requirements of the HOA. Be sure to test the system weekly, adjust sprinkler heads as needed to ensure proper coverage and minimize overspray, and replace any broken sprinkler heads.
Parking
Park only in the garage or driveway. Avoid parking in the street for more than a couple of hours. If you have guests staying with you, request temporary street parking from your HOA.
Improvements
Most HOAs require written authorization before any improvements can be made to the property. Please let us know if you want to make changes involving paint, landscaping, or adding/removing anything that will be permanent or semi-permanent.
Driveway Appearance
Keep your driveway free from car fluid stains such as oil, transmission, coolant, etc. Avoid leaving your garage door open for long periods.
Trash Bins
Place trash bins on trash collection day and move them out of sight after emptying them.
Recreational Equipment
In general, any recreational equipment must be stored out of sight. The most common examples are basketball goals, trampolines, and above-ground swimming pools.