Do you have any vacant properties in your community? Check your governing documents to determine your rights as an HOA. Some governing documents allow associations to perform maintenance if the owners fall short. If the governance doesn’t outright say this, it’s risky to take action. It could be considered trespassing and there are multiple concerns about liability. However, If the property is now bank-owned, don’t hesitate to take an aggressive approach. To that end, notify the institution in writing about problems and mounting fines. You might consider working with an attorney to draft a document detailing the things that need attention, the associated fines involved and the timeline needed for action. If your association doesn’t have the right to fine but can institute self-help, the other option is for the HOA to fix the property and add the costs to the lien.
The bottom line? Know your rights as a HOA and be fair and consistent with enforcement. Have a procedure in place and follow the same one in notifying banks as you would with homeowners. That’s critical because neighbors suffer when there’s vacancy, blight and disrepair. It’s in the best interest of everyone if prompt action is taken by all parties.
We realize situations like these can create undue strain on HOA board members who are busy managing day-to-day responsibilities and may not have the knowledge or experience to resolve such issues. That’s why it never hurts to call in the experts for insight and reinforcement. Put our team’s expertise to work for your community and breathe a little easier knowing we have it under control.
Our professionals implement proven, yet flexible, systems that resolve all association concerns. We can custom-design a solution around your association’s specific requirements and budget needs. Our main priority is to help increase the value of your community. Our managerial staff provides a variety of ways to help your association/HOA achieve this goal. Visit https://www.pmiprincewilliam.com/to learn more.
