There are approximately 50 million homeowners who live in association-governed communities, according to the Community Associations Institute. How does a Homeowner Association (HOA) work? It is an elected body lead by a board of directors who hires a property management company to handle the upkeep of a community development on behalf of all members. Management handles day-to-day matters such as making minor repairs, taking care of the garbage removal, snow removal, road maintenance and even security.
An association conducts periodic inspections and makes suggestions on any major repairs that may be needed. Many people argue that you don’t really own your home in a homeowner association—they own it for you—that is if you are willing to pay them their dues each and every month. Contrary to popular belief, you do own your home; you just can’t do anything that you want to your property. For example, if you want to paint your house, you have to follow the homeowner association’s guidelines. In addition, members are told what type of flowers, shrubbery and trees they can plant in the front yard. In most cases, if a member refuses to adhere to the association’s rules, they can be fined.
What control does an HOA have over your property?
There are really two different types of homeowner associations. They are referred to as light HOA and dense HOA. Light HOA is generally no problem. But with dense HOA the association can tell you whether or not you can add a hot tub in your home. Leave your car parked street side and you can get a note or ticket that is legally binding, from a patrolling HOA board member. Most home owners prefer to avoid all HOAs and just adhere to city code, which is also greatly enforced. With light HOA there are some minor rules that all homeowners should abide by such as the following:
- Membership is mandatory for all owners within the development
- Property owners must pay mandatory fees
- Age requirements of residents
- Take your garbage can out at night
- Don’t let your house get run down
- Abide the community’s speed limit (most between 15-25 mph)
- If you want to sell your home, you must notify the association.
- HOAs have the right to pass and implement design standards
- Maintain recreational facilities and community landscaping
- Enforce deed restrictions (for ex. …commercial use of properties, exterior home maintenance and garbage control)
- If you want to add a deck or extra room to your house, you must get permission from the association.
- Fence restrictions and boat storage restrictions
- Pool and basketball hoop restrictions
- Limit to number of pets
The good aspect of a homeowner association is that it is run by a 24 hour helpline to register complaints and requests. A good homeowner association answers complaints and requests in a timely manner. One of the primary advantages of a homeowner association is that your home is looked after when you are not home.
