HOA rules are made to ensure the community can grow and be maintained for the benefit of all residents. However, not every rule is followed, despite the best efforts of the board and residents. Here are the most common rules overlooked and how you can keep them from being ignored.

Architectural Changes

A common violation is HOA architectural standards being broken. This could be anything from paint to fences and many associations have their own standards to follow. Many associations require permission before making any improvements or changes. It is important for community aesthetics that homeowners follow the set standards set out by the HOA.

Rentals

Whether long-term or short-term, rentals can be a risk. As tenants move in and out, they can pose security risk and uncertainty to an HOA neighborhood. Rentals can also add confusion and make it harder to run an HOA when you have less residents actively participating in meetings.

Landscaping

Similar to any architectural changes, landscaping is regulated by HOA’s to maintain the standards of the community. Unfortunately, they tend to be the major driver behind HOA violations. Lawn maintenance, displayed plant types, and plant palettes are all things that will be regulated to maintain community standards.

Parking

Parking restrictions are often violated by residents or their guests. The common culprit is parties, but homes that have multiple cars and multiple drivers can also create issues. Parking violations are not only frustrating, but they can be dangerous as cars crowd the streets.

Trash

Trash is one of the most common things regulated by HOAs. Trash cans left out in the street can cause crowding, risk getting knocked over by cars, affect the look of the community, and can attract critters like racoons and possums.

Holiday Decorations

Everyone loves looking at the beautiful holiday decorations around the neighborhood. However, all good things need to end, including these lovely displays. Leftover holiday displays left up well past the appropriate holiday can affect the aesthetic of the association. Which is why it can be frustrating when homeowners procrastinate taking down their decorations in a timely manner.

However, there are a few things HOA leadership can do to ensure these violations are avoided:

  • Clear communication: Making sure you keep channels open within your community members is a key to avoid violations. By making the rules clear and having the ability to answer questions, you lower the chances of homeowner violations in your HOA.
  • Clearly Posted Rules: Having your HOA’s rules somewhere easy to read such as on the HOA website, in a welcome packet, or posted in a common place such as an association office or community center.
  • Community Inspections: It is important to do routine inspections, and site drives to allow immediate intervention and stop violations before they escalate and become bigger issues. Through regular inspections you can prevent most HOA violations and uphold your community standards.

Collaborating with your community is the best way to prevent these violations and more. Communication and knowledge are the best way to avoid them happening at all, and to keep your community held to the standards you have. Spectrum can help you with that by offering our HOA management services to your community.