Why An HOA Board Has Authority

Homeowners associations have been around for decades and they continue to grow in popularity, as stated on the neighborhood website.  HOA’s are in charge of enforcing the rules, operations, and finances for a subdivision or neighborhood.  When you are considering buying a home, one aspect that should be of interest to you is why the HOA board has authority.

 

The board manages all aspects of the association, from landscaping to building repair decisions.  They also oversee other aspects like zoning provisions, parking regulations, and construction timetables.  Before making any changes to your property, visit the neighborhood website first to see if you need to get approval from the board.

 

There are many common areas in the HOA community that residents share with each other, these include recreational facilities and places for meeting up.  The board has a duty to ensure that these are well-maintained as outlined in the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions of the HOA.  Board members also have a responsibility to see repairs are done correctly and promptly.

 

If you choose to live in an area with an HOA, you will be paying a monthly or annual fee.  The HOA board collects these dues and decides how these funds will be allocated to make sure the association offers a safe and pleasant community.  This can be found in the CC&R’s of the HOA as to what authority the board has and how they can enforce these rules.  Read the CC&R’s prior to moving in so you don’t encounter any problems.

 

You might be surprised that the HOA can sue community members, as well as enforce all governing documents.  In case a homeowner fails to follow HOA rules, the board can take legal action or have them evicted.  While they will likely never need to use this power, they have it at their disposal.  If you want to live in a secure community that looks nice and is well-managed, expect the HOA board to be very active in ensuring your neighborhood is a desirable place for everyone.