Buying a home that is a part of a homeowner’s association can come with many questions. It’s important for an HOA board to answer any questions residents or potential residents have, and it may be helpful to have a sheet of FAQs and the answers to those questions handy to provide to residents. Below are some HOA frequently asked questions that your association can begin to outline their responses to.
What is an HOA?
An HOA or a homeowner’s association is an organization created to manage and take care of a community. The HOA is generally in charge of the upkeep of the community’s common areas and enforces a set of ordinances and guidelines that residents follow to keep property values and quality of life high.
Does buying a home in an HOA make me a part of the HOA?
Yes. Everyone that lives within the HOA’s borders belongs to that HOA and must adhere to the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) of the community.
Is there a difference between the HOA and the HOA board?
The HOA itself is the group of owners that live within a designated geographical location. The HOA board is a subset of those owners that have been elected by the HOA to handle day-to-day business, field complaints, and enact decisions that affect the community.
What are the duties of an HOA?
The duties of an HOA vary widely depending on the neighborhood you live in, and typically, the amount of dues you pay. For some HOAs, looking after the common areas of the community may include: mowing the grass, repaving streets, cleaning up dead trees, collecting trash, and maintaining clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc.
What types of things do homeowners associations regulate?
Again, this can vary widely depending on the HOA you’re a part of, but you can find those answers in your community’s governing documents. The maintenance and upkeep standards will be of particular note for homeowners, as well as any rules limiting new construction.
How do HOA boards enforce rules?
Typically, HOA boards will talk with the homeowners about any violations they may be committing and give the owner an opportunity to correct the issue. If no action is taken, then the association can take disciplinary action, often in the form of fines. It is important to know that as long as the HOA stays within its authority and its governing documents comply with state and local laws, the HOA rules and regulations are backed by those laws. This means that by becoming a member of the HOA, you have entered into a legally binding contract to adhere to the CC&Rs.
HOA board members should remember that it is crucial to keep residents and potential residents informed on the governing documents for the community. It will lower the chances of miscommunication and problems that the community will face. Be ready to handle HOA frequently asked questions, and if your HOA is ever in need of an association manager to keep your board on track of day-to-day duties, contact Prism Realty Management. Give us a call at 512-676-5842 — we’d be happy to talk to you about who we are, the services we offer, and our process.
