HOA Frequently Asked Questions

Short and simple, read and follow the community’s governing documents, and then abide by them. Here is an executive summary of typical rules, but you should read your association’s documents for specifics:

1. Pay the assessment when due, or by the listed late date. If you can’t do this, communicate with the association to discuss a plan to get the assessment paid as quickly as possible.
2. Keep your property (including landscape) in good shape. We realize weeds happen. Simply remove them in a timely manner. Keep your landscape rock plentiful. Did a plant or tree die? Replace it. Also, don’t store items in your landscape or at the street.
3. Planning changes to the exterior of your home or property? Check to see if those changes need architectural review by the association before you start your project. Feel free to call the association and discuss your plans with the manager for further guidance.
4. Fully utilize your garage and driveway to park all of you vehicles on your property. Each association has specific rules about parking larger vehicles (think RVs are large commercial vehicles) and trailers in view. Should you have more than 4 vehicles at your property, please contact the association to discuss your additional parking needs AND to be in compliance with the association.

While the assessment has to be paid in full, putting off this conversation with the association just makes matters worse. If payment is delayed too long, there will be late fees, and the account can be sent to collections per the association’s policy. At collections, typically the association moves forward with placing a lien and notice of default on your home. Eventually, the association can even foreclose for non-payment of the assessment! During the collections process the fees which can be charged go up exponentially.

Please contact the association early on. In most cases, we can establish a payment plan, avoiding a lot of larger expenses later.

Any letter will include a suggestion for how best to handle the issue . Often, a picture outlining the issue will be included. Address the matter as soon as possible. If you can’t, contact the association and let us know when you can. If you are confused about the issue, the manager may be able to better outline it to you as well. Whatever you do, don’t avoid the issue. Doing so may lead to a hearing being called with the Board of Directors, and the imposi-tion of fines or another action being taken against your home for non-compliance.

Due to limitations outlined in state law, it’s hard for the association to talk with you specifically about the status of your neighbor’s home with the association. It’s still a good idea to report your concerns to the association. While the association performs regular inspections every few weeks, your report may lead to something previously not noticed during those inspections. Your report may advance the issue in the association’s compliance process.getting in contact with your neighbor, the association may be able to assist you in doing so.

Yes. The association will typically encourage you to approach the resident, if you are comfortable doing so, and your local animal control agency as well. The association will make some attempts to contact the resident to address the issue. If the pet is not being picked up after, the association can handle that issue with the neighboring home as it is considered a nuisance as well. It is a good idea for you to report pet issues to both the association and animal control at the same time.

Similar to an issue with a barking dog, we encourage you (if comfortable) to address the issue with your neighbor. You do have the right to trim a tree coming over your property back to your property’s line. We believe it is best to do so only after discussing the concern you have with your neighbor. If you are having a hard time getting in contact with your neighbor, the association may be able to assist you in doing so.

Yes. Although, with conditions. The association still expects the homeowner to ensure that the assessment is paid and the home is kept in compliance with the governing documents, but we understand that often takes teamwork. Please provide the association with a copy of the lease and property management agreement.

We simply need the requested address change submitted in writing from you, the homeowner. E-Mail is often the easiest ways for homeowners to do this. If you want to change your address so that all communications are sent to someone other than yourself, please realize that would include assessment billings.