![]() You could hire one lawyer collectively to represent the case and needs of all homeowners who object. If other homeowners feel the same way about the rate increase, join with them. Unfortunately, HOAs have reputations for being set in their bylaws and, if you don't have any legal basis for your objection to the rate increase, you might be out of luck. If you can initiate intelligent dialogue with the HOA board, do so. Second, review your deeds and bylaws to see what your legal rights are. There are too many risks involved, including foreclosure, if you don't. What do you do if the HOA keeps increasing your dues at alarming rates? First of all, pay them. And if your bylaws allow you to speak at the meeting, voicing your opinion could add a new perspective to a proposed policy that the board might not have considered. Similarly, you'll want to learn of any proposed bylaws or other changes in how the community will operate. If an HOA is considering raising its dues next year, you'll want to find out as soon as possible. Of course the benefit of attending meetings is not just to be heard, but also to hear what is going on. But in states such as Florida, new laws allow residents to discuss whatever they please, although their time and manner of presenting is monitored. In some states, what members can speak about is limited to the items on the board's prepared meeting agenda. Many, however, will hold a mix of meetings open to the board, or the board plus members. Many associations require only one annual meeting for the purpose of electing the board of directors, which is open to members. Ĭommunicating with other homeowners and the board making the association's decisions is easiest at community meetings. But consider this: If your HOA suddenly increases fees and fines, it might be because it's poorly managed its revenues. Your HOA is doing a good job if your neighborhood is suiting your needs and wants, and the board treats you and your neighbors fair and reasonably. To gauge your satisfaction, check if your neighborhood facilities are in good shape, up to code and attractive to potential home buyers. There's too much diversity in associations' behavior and strictness. Concrete statistics on HOA-satisfaction rates don't exist. But in 2007, the Los Angeles Times reported that as many as 48 percent of residents considered their associations a "major headache". After all, you're paying for it.Ī 1999 poll sponsored by the Community Associations Institute reported about 75 percent of HOA residents were satisfied. It is important, nonetheless, to ensure your HOA is acting for you. This and other actions give HOAs bad media attention. For example, some directors have purchased - at extremely low prices - the homes they've helped foreclose on. Īs HOAs become increasingly common, they face controversy regarding their commitment to protecting homeowners. ![]() The ordeal even resulted in legal action. Before Waldbillig and her husband could get approval, they installed a fence anyway, so the HOA had them take it down. The HOA required dogs be contained in a fence or on leashes, but it also required getting the fence approved. Another Florida resident, Deborah Waldbillig, who had taken in six puppies, installed a fence so they could run around while she underwent chemotherapy. Other common covenants regulate fences, the number of rooms in your house, building materials, and even the color - and shade of that color - you can paint your house.Īlso, know if one bylaw puts another at odds. Sports utility vehicles were fine, according to his HOA, but the pickup truck he owned and parked in his driveway violated a particular bylaw, and his HOA sued him. Florida resident Anthony Colecchia, a retired New York City firefighter who required extra legroom in his car for medical reasons, learned that the hard way. It's also good to read through the rules, covenants and deeds to find arbitrary ones, like one that might prohibit parking a pickup truck in your driveway. Know your homeowners association's bylaws - and follow them.
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