A homeowners association is a legal way to insure that there would be certain rules in place to govern the way people live in a particular community. It can be a high-rise building, golf course development, townhome community or traditional neighborhood. Check out our articles and blog posts for more information about homeowners associations.
Does an HOA Have the Power to Restrict Pool Access?
Does an HOA have the power to restrict pool access due to COVID-19? This HOA board is concerned about liability and refuses to open it for residents. Q: How do I get our homeowner’s association board to open up our building’s three pools, all of which have been closed since March due to the pandemic? [...]
What Happens When HOA Rules Aren’t Enforced?
What happens when HOA rules aren’t enforced? This reader wants to know what happens if a board approves a request that violates governing documents. Q: I am on the board of directors of my homeowners association (HOA). The dues to our HOA are voluntary. We can't assess liens against any property in our community, we [...]
Can a Board of Directors Change the Bylaws?
Can a board of directors change the bylaws? This townhome owner is worried about the board redoing the declaration and bylaws without owner approval. Q: I live in a townhouse community. Our association’s board of directors is redoing our declaration and by-laws without approval of the owners. They say they are just bringing the language [...]
What Are the Responsibilities of a Condo Association?
What are the responsibilities of a condo association? This reader says rodents are all over the property but the homeowners association board won't act. Q: Are there laws that govern rodent control for condos? My neighbor feeds birds 50 pounds of bird food at a time and now I have squirrels in my unit. Mice [...]
Can an HOA Board Change the Rules Governing Exterior Structures?
Can an HOA board change the rules governing exterior structures? This reader's homeowner's association board denied a request it approved for other owners. Q: I recently purchased a single-family detached home in a 55+ community which has a pergola covering my patio. I petitioned my homeowner’s association to allow the installation of clear roof panels [...]
HOA Insurance: What Coverage Do You Need to Insure Your Unit?
HOA insurance: What coverage do you need to insure your unit? This is what homeowners association insurance covers and why you need insurance for your unit. Q: Our homeowner’s association (HOA) is requiring that each owner buy insurance to insure that owner against damage caused by their unit to the common areas of the association [...]
How Much Personal Information Do You Have to Give to the HOA?
How much personal information do you have to give to the HOA? Basic household information is understandable, but what if they go too far? Q: Recently my homeowner's association distributed a request for additional information. They asked me to provide information about who I am and the people who live with me, including their names, [...]
How are Homeowners Association Fees Determined?
These homeowners want to know how their homeowner association fees are determined for a large neighborhood that restricts access to some areas the association maintains. Q: Hi, I enjoy reading your column in our local newspaper. I live in a homeowner’s association that is aggressive. We have around 250 homes and some of the homes [...]
Is Buying Cheaper than Renting?
Is buying cheaper than renting? You’ve probably heard that buying a home is cheaper than renting an apartment. And since the housing crisis, when mortgage interest rates dropped to historic lows while rental rates were rising, that was mostly true. Now that mortgage interest rates are rising, that's no longer a slam dunk. And, there [...]
Noise Issues With Neighbors: How to Deal With Rotten Neighbor Problems
Do you have noise issues with rotten neighbors? How to deal with neighbor issues in a homeowner's association. Q: I borrowed your book for first-time home buyers from the library a few years ago. I need to read it again and this time I’ll buy it. But in the meantime, I’m hoping you can answer [...]