If you decide to buy real estate in a townhouse, condo, or subdivision development, you’ll be subjected to strict homeowner association rules and regulations; fines for violations of these rules; a lien if you fail to come up with money for your fines; association fees; or assessment fees; and many other possible fees if you don’t follow the guidelines.
Don’t make the mistake other homeowners have by failing to review the homeowner association rules before you buy a property. When you review the association rules, check to see if the following rules exist:
-All exterior improvements or paint jobs must be approved by the homeowner association prior to commencement.
-Vehicle repairs aren’t allowed to be performed in the driveway of a home.
-Regulations prevent the placement of a storage shed in the backyard.
-Outdoor clotheslines, television antennas, basket ball hoops, and satellite dishes are prohibited.
While civil rights laws influence the drafting of homeowner association rules, some residents won’t be thrilled with some of the regulations. For example, just because a homeowner association regulation permits a property owner to have children living in the community doesn’t mean all residents will be overjoyed with the presence of kids. Only a senior community can exclude children from living in its association. You may need to be proactive in your association to help reform a better environment for your children.
Here are some additional association guidelines you may be forced to follow:
-Pets are restricted to one per unit. The homeowner can’t own a pet weighing over 15 pounds.
-Pets considered noise or uncontrolled by the board must be disposed of within three days warning.
-Homeowners that own bicycles cannot leave them in undesignated spots. They can’t be left unattended on community areas, in hallways, or placed on the balcony or patio.
-Public conduct and attire in the community areas must adhere to association regulations.
-Signs aren’t allowed on uncommon areas of the association in any form or fashion.
-Placement of drapes or curtains in a unit without a white liner is prohibited on association grounds. You must be able to see the liner from outside the unit.
-Home owners aren’t allowed to invite more than 10 friends or family members over for a gathering in a unit.
-If a property owner has plans to rent out their unit, a pre-approval must be obtained by the board before embarking on such an endeavor.
-If you decide to sell your unit, the board can reject any new homebuyer in the association for any legal reason it decides is appropriate.
Homeowner association restrictions can cramp your lifestyle if you’re not careful. Make sure you research an association’s rules before you purchase property in it.
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