Homeowners’ associations have been established to help both the community and residents that stay on the property. However, there are often some things that homeowners do not agree with the HOA and vice versa. When the HOA determines that the actions of the homeowners have violated specific stipulations in their rules, regulations, bylaws, or the CC&Rs, the HOA needs to draw the attention of the homeowner. There is generally a fine or a penalty associated with the above. However, what should they do when they have a problem with their HOA when it comes to homeowners?

Property management companies Southern California members generally face the following issues-

  • Increase in the membership dues and fees- The HOA sustains membership fees and dues they collect from homeowners at regular intervals. They might choose to increase these HOA dues at any given point in time as long as it can be implemented in accordance with the bylaws of the HOA. There are specific times when the HOA raises the membership dues or the extra charges for covering repairs that often crop up without warning. Now, if the above has been stated in the deeds or the bylaws of the HOA, the homeowner has to comply and can do nothing about it. Some homeowners state these are just some extra financial burdens they often cannot shoulder, and this is when they collectively appeal to the homeowner’s association.
  • Selective enforcement- After the above fees, selective enforcement is the next common problem that property management companies Southern California members face. In short, selective enforcement implies that the HOA is not fair in its enforcement regarding the terms and conditions covered in the deeds and bylaws. To put it differently, the HOA focuses on being partial and often chooses who should follow the rules strictly and for whom can they bend these rules. Any homeowner might call the attention of the Board for this observation in writing and later schedule a discussion. The homeowner should also have substantial proof to back this claim so that necessary action can be taken.
  • Harassment and fines- There are times when the HOA might charge a fine for something they consider unreasonable, like, for instance, a car that has been parked very close to a curb or a trampoline with light color. If the homeowner does not pay, they will be subject to a number of reminders in the form of messages and emails on their machines. If the HOA harasses you to pay the fine for what you might consider being an unfair demand, you should check the bylaws to see whether it is in the legal rights of the HOA.

However, property management companies Southern California members should never harass homeowners for payments irrespective of whether the demand is an unfair one or not.  One can seek the consultation of a lawyer in case this harassment persists, and attention has been called to it.