Stevens & Goldwyn, P.A. Discuss How Homeowners Can Have a Productive Relationship With Their HOA
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 30, 2019 (Newswire.com) - A Homeowners' Association (HOA) is a private association that chiefly exists to safeguard the property values of a particular building or community. An HOA is basically established by the developer of the community where the homes are built. HOAs have got a bad reputation generally because of their strict rules and arbitrary orders they enforce on the homeowners. However, they also offer a lot of benefits to the homeowners living in the community. So it's important for homeowners to know how to deal with their homeowners' association so that they can maintain a smooth relationship with them.
Understanding HOA Duties and Responsibilities
In order to understand how to deal with an HOA, homeowners must know about their responsibilities. They must keep in mind that HOA is a private group. Many HOAs perform duties related to the municipal governments, thus they are also known as de facto governments. Although the guidelines laid down by HOAs may not appeal to the homeowners, the sole objective is to enhance and preserve the community values.
Thus HOAs offer a lot of services to facilitate the upkeep of the buildings such as maintaining common parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, the gym, etc. Some of them even take care of the infrastructure to enhance the value of the property.
Other than this, homeowners' association rules sometimes restrict homeowners from using their property according to their wishes. They may even limit the type of additions homeowners want to make such as changing the color of a residence. However, their purpose is to prevent someone's neighbor from building an unattractive house, which can decrease the property value. So these rules are usually enforced to maintain proper decorum and style in the community.
How to Avoid Conflict with the HOA?
It is best to avoid disputes with an HOA before it takes place. Homeowners must follow certain steps to refrain from any conflict with the HOA.
It is essential to read all the HOA rules and bylaws carefully which will help homeowners avoid breaking them. Usually, HOA violations are reported by neighbors and not by the board members. Homeowners that develop good relations with their neighbors can talk to them before they complain to the HOA board or building management.
If a homeowner is planning to do any renovations to their residence, they must seek approval from the HOA. The best way to maintain a smooth relationship with the HOA is to follow all the guidelines and rules established by the homeowners' association.
About Stevens & Goldwyn: The homeowners' association attorneys at Stevens & Goldwyn, P.A. are experts in condominium law, contractual disputes and HOA litigation. They specialize in representation for homeowners associations, assessment collection, foreclosures, civil litigation and more. Stevens & Goldwyn, P.A. is located in Plantation, Florida, and provides services throughout Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Miami Beach, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Aventura and more.
Arrange a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss any legal concerns with a partner of our firm. Stevens & Goldwyn, P.A. looks forward to answering questions and seeing how they can meet any legal needs. Call us at 954-476-2680 or contact us online today.
Source: Stevens & Goldwyn, P.A.