All HOAs have a set of rules and regulations. These governing documents are designed to help keep property values up and the community as a whole living well with one another.
Even if your rules are clear and easy to follow, at one point or another, someone will break them. If you aren’t careful to take action right away, persistent rule-breaking can lead to frustration, and in some cases, vocal disagreements between community members.
Fortunately, with a little bit of planning and forethought, you can prevent things from getting out of hand.
Give your residents the benefit of the doubt
When someone does break a rule (whether they’re in the community or on the board), it’s important to first give them the benefit of the doubt. You don’t want to immediately assume that the rules were broken on purpose. Instead, consider that they may have broken the rule because they were unaware of it.
Send a warning
One thing you can do to prevent these types of situations in the future is to make sure that all community members are provided with clear instructions, so they are aware of all of the rules and regulations. When a rule does get broken you’ll need to refer to your governing documents on how to proceed.
Typically, you would start by sending out a notice to let the person know they are in violation and what they can do to correct it. You may even send out a couple of notices before anything further is done, giving the person enough time to fix the matter.
Make sure to note in the letter how much time the person has to follow suit. It’s important to write these letters in a friendly, helpful and informative way. You can outline why the rule is in place and explain in a courteous manner how they can comply with it.
Hold a hearing
If nothing changes after notices are sent, then you may need to move onto the next step and hold a board of directors hearing. This allows the board of directors to consider their next move. Depending on the violations taking place, this might include community restrictions or monetary fines.
If all else fails, and a homeowner won’t comply or pay fines, then legal action may need to be taken. In some cases, you may also need to consult with a legal professional.
Stay cool, calm and collected
If residents are breaking rules within your HOA, it’s important to keep a level head. Don’t let your feelings about the person or the action cloud your judgment. Follow the governing documents and proceed rationally.
If you would like help managing your association, contact us. We can help promote better communication within the community and keep things running smoothly. Check out our website to learn more: .
