Navigating the ins and outs of emotional support animals in HOAs can come as quite a challenge. More often than not, HOA boards don’t know how to handle requests for reasonable accommodation, especially when the rules aren’t clearly spelled out. This usually leads to some…

Do HOA rules override state law and city ordinances? This is a question that many homeowners and board members ask. Living in an HOA community means having to abide by certain rules. However, these rules can sometimes conflict with the laws in the state, county,…

Many homeowners don’t know how to proceed when their HOA violates their own rules. They are unsure what consequences are in store, if any, and this often leaves them feeling cheated. After all, a homeowners association enforces rules and hands out violation notices when residents…

Landscaping is an important part of every homeowners association. But, if you’re having problems with maintenance and water, there is an alternative: xeriscaping. Here’s what you need to know about xeriscaping in HOAs.   What Is Xeriscaping in HOAs? Xeriscaping is the art of designing and…

Many homeowners associations prohibit residents from operating a business out of their homes. But are such HOA commercial restrictions even enforceable?   What Are HOA Commercial Restrictions? Commercial restrictions in homeowners associations are simply rules that disallow home-based businesses. It is normal to encounter a…

Can communities impose HOA rules on guns? This is a question many board members and homeowners ask, but the answer isn’t black and white.   HOA Rules on Guns: A Rising Interest in Gun Safety Gun safety is a hot topic in the United States…

Can homeowners smoke marijuana in HOA communities? Is there a way for the association to restrict the smoking of marijuana? Let’s take a closer look below.   Can Boards Regulate Marijuana in HOA Communities? Marijuana, specifically the use of marijuana, has recently become a hot…

Owning a property means having complete control over its appearance and use, including renting it out to someone else. However, that is not always the case for homes in HOA communities, where HOA rental restrictions might apply.   Are HOA Rental Restrictions Legal and Enforceable?…

Homeowners associations are known for enforcing rules that help keep curb appeal and property values high. Some of these rules apply to trash cans, too. But, are rules about HOA trash cans even enforceable?   Are HOA Trash Can Rules Legal? Trash cans play an…

As more and more people start to work out of their homes, homeowners associations are facing an avalanche of problems. Should associations allow residents to operate a home business in HOA communities?   Is Running a Home Business in HOA Homes Allowed? The COVID-19 pandemic forced…

Hosting a party begins with planning, and planning can only be done once you have a party concept in mind. If you want to throw a great HOA Valentine’s Day party, here are some ideas to get you started.   Fun HOA Valentine’s Day Party Ideas…

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate several holidays in the United States. But, apart from providing a spectacular visual display, fireworks can also be dangerous. This leads us to the question — can an HOA ban fireworks?   Is It Normal for an HOA…

Homeowners living in an HOA community must abide by the many regulations that exist within the association. For many communities, that includes HOA noise rules.   Do You Have HOA Noise Rules in Your Community? Nowadays, it is nearly impossible to find a homeowners association…

HOA parking rules are a common point of contention in homeowners associations. The key to resolving issues related to parking, though, lies in understanding what rules the HOA can and can’t enforce.   Creating and Enforcing HOA Parking Rules Living in an HOA community means…

Anyone who has ever belonged to a homeowners association knows what restrictive covenants are. If you are thinking about purchasing a home within an HOA community, you must understand what these covenants are and how they affect you.   Understanding the Definition of Restrictive Covenants…

Homeowners association rules are man-made, so it makes sense that they are not perfect. You might like to believe that all the rules in your HOA are good and enforceable. But, the fact of the matter is, unenforceable HOA rules do exist in many communities…

It is not uncommon for homeowners to put up an early Christmas display in HOA communities. What many of these homeowners don’t know, though, is that associations typically have rules concerning holiday decoration schedules. And violating such a rule can result in a monetary fine….

An HOA rental policy is every homeowners association’s first line of defense against out-of-control rentals. That is why it is important to come up with yours early on.   The Importance of an HOA Rental Policy A rental policy clearly defines what restrictions your homeowners…

Whether you are just moving into an HOA-run community or have already lived in one for years, it is important for you to get to know your HOA rules and regulations. But, what are these rules anyway? And who decides what rules to make?   What…

In every homeowners association, there will be homeowners who break the rules accidentally or intentionally. That’s why HOA boards must take non-compliance seriously. At the first sign of offense, they must send an HOA violation letter to remind a homeowner of his obligations to the…

Members of a homeowners association must follow all the rules and regulations set forth by their governing body. The main purpose of these restrictions is to protect property values and the interests of the entire community. However, is it legal for the HOA to regulate…

There are a number of critical steps you must take before buying a home, and one of those is to find out whether the property belongs in a deed-restricted neighborhood. But, what is a deed-restricted community anyway? And how does it affect you as a…

If you haven’t dealt with a homeowners association before, you should prepare for rules. HOA rules govern many of the activities of daily residents. HOA’s aren’t for everyone, so before you make an offer on a home and move-in, you should understand how one may…

HOAs are governed by many rules and regulations — to a point where it may get confusing for both board members and homeowners alike. To avoid any kind of misunderstanding, it’s important to have a clear understanding of homeowners association documents, as well as which…

Pets are now considered an integral part of the family. It’s only right for homeowners associations to welcome pets into their communities. If you’re a pet-friendly association, you likely already know the importance of having rules for homeowners with furry companions. For those who have…

Many homeowners associations have strict “no pets” policies. But emotional animals and service animals are not pets. They are animals that provide crucial assistance to homeowners with disabilities — and as such, are protected by federal laws. To ensure legal compliance, here’s what you need…

Homeowners can choose the best HOA community for their needs and lifestyles, but they cannot choose their neighbors. Some homeowners may find themselves annoyed by the people living next door, and may even end up in conflict with them. Learn about bad neighbors, what to…

HOA political signs are a bold display of support for a cause that a resident believes in. However, do these political sign displays have a place in a managed community? Political signs in your HOA is a good thing. It can be a healthy display…

Homeowners association rules and regulations exist in a community to keep everything in order and help maintain property values. But, how can HOA enforce rules effectively? Read on to find out.   How Can HOA Enforce Rules Properly “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” “You…

Covenant enforcement is paramount to smooth association living. But, many HOA boards fall between the cracks when it comes to implementing rules and punishing violators. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way.   Getting a Handle on Proper Covenant Enforcement Enforcing covenants might seem…

Can your homeowners association issue an HOA traffic ticket? The answer may not be so simple. Still, it is worth diving into the subject to provide both HOAs and their members some insight.   HOA Traffic Ticket: Many Sides to the Debate People seem to…