The Most Common HOA Violations (and How to Avoid Them!)
Living in a rental home within a Homeowners Association (HOA) community comes with many benefits. However, it also means following certain rules and standards designed to keep the neighborhood looking great and functioning smoothly.
To help you stay in good standing with your HOA and avoid unnecessary fines or warnings, here’s a breakdown of the most common violations and how to prevent them. Please note that, because HOA rules can vary widely, you should always check with your specific HOA for the most accurate and up-to-date guidelines.
Lawn and Landscaping Maintenance
Violation: Grass or weeds exceeding 6 inches in height
- How to Avoid: Mow your lawn weekly during growing seasons. Edge along sidewalks and driveways for a clean look. Pull or treat weeds regularly.
Violation: Overgrown or untended flower beds and curbside weeds
- How to Avoid: Use mulch or pine straw to suppress weed growth. You can also apply weed killer or pull weeds manually every couple of weeks.
Violation: Overgrown shrubs and faded or missing mulch
- How to Avoid: Trim bushes to keep them neat and away from walkways. Refresh mulch or pine straw seasonally to maintain curb appeal.
Home Exterior Maintenance
Violation: Visible damage to porches, windows, rooflines or siding
- How to Avoid: Inspect your home’s exterior quarterly. Report any issues to your property manager for timely repairs.
Parking and Street Safety
Violation: Vehicles blocking driveways or mailboxes
- How to Avoid: Always park in designated areas. Leave at least 15 feet of clearance in front of mailboxes to ensure mail delivery.
Violation: Improper street parking, including: Parking directly across from another vehicle, parking against the flow of traffic and/or ignoring no-parking signs
- How to Avoid: Park on one side of the street when possible. Always park in the direction of traffic and obey posted signs
Violation: Overnight parking and/or parking in restricted areas like pool lots or grassy areas.
- How to Avoid: Use only approved parking spaces. Avoid overnight parking in common areas unless explicitly allowed.
Pets and Noise
Violation: Pets roaming freely, excessive barking or waste left behind
- How to Avoid: Always leash pets outdoors, clean up after them immediately and address barking issues promptly.
Violation: Noise complaints from loud music, revving engines or speeding
- How to Avoid: Keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours. Drive slowly and respectfully through the neighborhood.
Recreational Items
Violation: Basketball hoops in the street, RV’s and/or dirt bikes improperly stored
- How to Avoid: Store recreational equipment out of public view when not in use. Never place items in the street or on sidewalks.
General Cleanliness
Violation: Dirt yards, dead vegetation or visible clutter
- How to Avoid: Keep your yard tidy. Remove dead plants, trash and debris regularly. Ensure ground cover, like grass or mulch, is present in all exposed dirt areas.
By staying proactive and attentive to these common HOA concerns, you can enjoy a peaceful, respectful living environment. If you’re ever unsure about a rule, reach out to your property manager or HOA board for clarification. Together, we can keep our communities beautiful and welcoming for everyone!
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