Friday August 21, 2015

Understanding the rights and responsibilities of HOA residents
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of lucky nines – nine community residents rights and responsibilities, which includes both homeowners and non-owners. But that’s just part of the equation. Click here to read Part 2 to discover the rights and responsibilities of community association managers. Ready to bring on the happy? Read on…Residents have the right to...
- A quality association. That means it’s both responsive and capable.
- Fairness and honesty. That means from both their association leaders and their property management company, if their community is professionally managed.
- Financial stewardship. Association fees and assessments should be spent wisely and based on a realistic budget.
- High living standards. A community should be maintained according to its guidelines. If it’s managed by a good professional property management company, you should expect it to enhance your property value and quality of life.
- Documents. Members should have the complete documentation of association rules and regulations governing the association before their purchase is complete, or at least when they move in.
- Access. Books and records should be open to owners with just simple written requests.
- The opportunity to participate. This includes taking part in meetings, certain committees and elections.
- Reasonable process, especially when it comes to foreclosures. Residents should be able to discuss payment plans and options before proceedings begin.
- Appeal. A process should be in place that provides for the hearing and appeal of decisions made by community leaders that affect non-routine financial responsibilities or property rights.
Residents have a responsibility to...
- Be knowledgeable and compliant. They should read the governing documents, understand them and follow all HOA rules.
- Maintain their properties. They should maintain their homes and make sure they’re up to community standards.
- Be honest and respectful. That goes for how they behave with their neighbors, as well as their association leaders.
- Engage with their community. Voting in community elections is essential to ensure their voices are heard.
- Make timely payments. This enables a healthy cash flow for the community.
- Communicate. If they have difficulty paying assessments or meeting other obligations, they must reach out to their association leaders or community managers.
- Request reconsideration. Sometimes personal situations change. They should make these requests if material decisions are made that affect them personally.
- Provide contact information. This ensures association leaders or property managers can contact them and essential community information reaches them.
- Ensure compliance. This includes everyone who lives at the property, such as tenants, relatives and friends.