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Not everyone who has an HOA in their neighborhood appreciates them. While older individuals love what their HOA does for properties in their area, younger homeowners may feel that they're overbearing.
However, each HOA has its own responsibility to keep order and help keep members accountable for how they act. In some cases, they even take care of public amenities such as swimming pools and parks.
Here's how an HOA board functions and what it can do for your neighborhood.
What is an HOA Board?
A homeowner's association is comprised of individuals who manage the daily operations that help the community function properly. This may include notifying homeowners of problems with their properties, hiring landscapers for public areas, and cleaning the streets.
They must file Articles of Incorporation to be formed as an incorporated nonprofit in order to function legally. However, there are no specific regulations dictating how the organization should operate. Bylaws and rules will vary depending on the community and its needs.
Although there is no cap on HOA fees, they often go into the hundreds in metro areas. Your local board should be able to break down how that money is spent.
HOA Board of Directors
Most boards consist of four main officers and other roles to manage their various tasks.
The President is the highest authority. They make the agenda, manage speakers, and call for votes. The Vice President supports them and helps to maintain order.
An HOA secretary takes notes and minutes for all meetings, as well as distributing information. The treasurer is in charge of the finances.
Although the HOA responsibilities encompass a single participating area, board members do not have to live there. However, it is common for them to live in the managed area so as to benefit from the board as well as for better oversight.
HOA Management Limitations
Although HOAs are responsible for certain properties, they do not own them. They cannot dictate how you decorate the inside of your home, for example. However, they can set rules for how your property looks and what kind of noise you can generate on certain days and at certain hours.
Your HOA cannot call the cops on members who violate their rules. At most, they should resolve the issue through notification and fines.
If an HOA community struggles to understand its limitations, it can always rely on a property management company. These often offer association management services that can provide the experience needed to meet your community's needs.
Trust in Your HOA Board
Your HOA board members don't exist to torment you or berate you for violations. They keep everyone in the neighborhood responsible for excessive noise, trash, and other problems. If your board can't handle the task, then it may be in need of professional association management.
PMI Bay State offers association services, estate management, and residential management. We also take care of landscaping, security, cleaning, and maintenance. Contact us to learn more and get your free rental analysis today.
