Living with an HOA

Settling in

From the guide’s HOA checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Association rules and governing documents in hand.
• Parking, guest parking, trash, pets and quiet hours rules learned.
• Amenity rules and hours known.
• Residents, vehicles and pets registered if required.
• Written approval received before any exterior change.
• Notices answered in writing, with dated photos of any fix.

All done. You’re set to feel at home in your community.

Rules that often surprise people

These are examples, not a complete list. New residents are often caught off guard by trash can timing, holiday decoration dates, rules about parking work trucks or RVs, short term rental bans, window coverings and patio storage. Pet limits, quiet hours, pool guest rules and approval for exterior changes come up a lot too.

If your neighbor did something, they may have gotten approval, or they may be about to get a notice. Ask before you copy. It saves money and stress.

Owners, put a one page summary of the most important rules in your welcome sheet. Residents follow the rules they actually know about.

If you get a violation notice

1. Take a breath. A notice is usually a reminder, not an accusation.
2. Read it carefully and look up the rule it mentions. If you rent, share the notice with the owner right away, since the owner is usually the association’s contact.
3. Fix the issue if you can, then take a dated photo showing it’s done and send it right away.
4. If you think the notice is a mistake, respond in writing, kindly, with photos or details. Please don’t ignore it. Unanswered notices can lead to fines.
5. Keep copies of every notice and response. You did exactly the right thing.

Renting a home in an association

From the guide’s HOA checklist for owners. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Rentals allowed, and any lease length or registration rules known.
• Rules shared with residents and noted in the lease.
• One page rules summary added to the welcome sheet.
• Gate codes, pool keys, mailbox keys and parking permits handed over.
• Dues current, and a plan for special assessments.
• Copies of all association letters and emails kept for the home.

All done. Your residents can feel at home from day one.

For owners when an issue comes up

• Pass any association notice along to residents promptly and kindly, and work with them to fix it.
• Respond to the association in writing.
• Request approval in writing before exterior changes or major repairs.
• Go to a meeting now and then, or read the minutes, so you know about upcoming rules, projects or assessments.
• Keep copies of all association letters and emails for each home.

Guides that go well with this one

• Shared Spaces in Buildings
• Parking and Shared Driveways
• Being a Good Neighbor
• Quiet Hours and Noise
• Fair Housing Basics

Helpful resources

HUD: Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act and LawHelp.org: legal information and referrals by state. Association rules, fines, rental limits and owner rights come from governing documents and laws that differ from place to place. A quick look at your documents and the rules where your home is goes a long way, and an attorney in your area can help.