Are you in the process of establishing your HOA community's guidelines and regulations?
You cannot afford to get it wrong. The success of an HOA community often comes down to its guidelines. With effective guidelines, there will be a heightened sense of order in the community, fewer conflicts, and makes the management's job a lot easier.
HOA boards are responsible for creating these guidelines but it's not uncommon for them to seek the assistance of a homeowners association management company. Either way, this article shares a couple of important tips on how to establish community rules and regulations that work.
Let's get into it:
Know Your Community's Bylaws
Every HOA community is governed by its bylaws. These laws flesh out the process that's to be followed when creating covenants, conditions, and restrictions, and who will be in charge of the process.
Some HOAs vest the responsibility to create these rules exclusively on the board, and others expressly require the board to develop those rules in consultation with all the homeowners.
Thus, the first step is to know what your HOA's bylaws require. If you're the board's president or chairperson, and your bylaws require homeowner participation, you have to organize meetings where everyone will get the chance to participate.
Keep Municipal Codes and State Laws in Mind
HOAs are self-governing communities, but their activities must not violate the laws of the land. When establishing HOA rules, you must always be aware of the relevant local, state, and federal laws.
For example, let's say your board is considering restricting all kinds of pet ownership in the community. While you might have compelling reasons to disallow pets, the rule would be in violation of the Fair Housing Act which requires you to allow for reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities, including those who have to live with emotional support and service animals.
HOA guidelines that are in contravention of the law can attract lawsuits from homeowners and advocacy groups. It's also not far-fetched to think that such ill-advised rules can negatively affect HOA property value.
HOA Rules Are Not Cast in Stone
If you've been given the responsibility to establish an HOA community's guidelines, it's an opportunity to rule over the residents. In the spirit of building a thriving community, you have a duty to spearhead the creation of rules that are fair and just.
More importantly, you have to recognize that these rules aren't permanent. As the community evolves, there's always a need to review the rules and make changes as needed.
Don't frustrate homeowners' efforts whenever they want a certain rule to be reviewed or scrapped. Listen to them and initiate the necessary processes for amending HOA rules.
Practice Effective Homeowners Association Management
Homeowners association management isn't an easy job, especially in large communities. However, the establishment of good HOA rules and guidelines goes a long way in making the job easier.
PMI All American is ready to help your HOA in Fayetteville, NC develop and enforce community guidelines. As a locally-owned full-service association management company with ties to a nationwide franchise with over 400 locations, we have the resources to serve your HOA competently.
Let's talk about your community's needs.
