If you have a rental property in a homeowner’s association, it’s important that you know how to deal with HOA organizations.
Provide Current Contact Information
Make sure the HOA has your current contact information. I always encourage our owners to call or email the HOA and make sure they have your current email address, phone number, and mailing address. It’s only the responsibility of the HOA to send notices and other information to the address they have on file. If you don’t have any contact information except the property address within the HOA, that’s where the mail will go.
Many owners don’t want to attach their information to county or public records. I can understand that. But in this case, make sure the HOA or your management company has your updated contact information.
Ask for More Time to Resolve Issues
If you do receive a notice from your HOA, or a violation letter, pay attention to the date on the letter. Every HOA gives their residents a certain amount of time to resolve the issue. I always encourage owners to send a letter or email back to the HOA requesting more time. I have never had an HOA deny that request.
Be Proactive in Understanding Rules
Be proactive. HOAs do not always enforce their rules evenly across the board. It’s possible they are stricter about your shrubs, weeds in your flower beds, or cars parked in the street, but they don’t really care what’s going on in your backyard. Find out what the HOA really cares about, and stay on top of those things. Each HOA has a website. Go to that website periodically and see what’s happening in the subdivision. It’s a great way to stay ahead of things. If there are any issues, you can be prepared and plan ahead.
Consider the HOA Your Partner
View the relationship with your HOA as a partnership. A vast majority of properties are in HOAs. It’s not a bad thing to have an HOA. I like to look at it as another layer or avenue to ensure that your property is being taken care of. I make sure the HOA knows I appreciate what they’re doing. I also expect them to treat my owners and landlords the same way they treat others in the neighborhood.
If you have any questions about how to deal with your HOA, please contact us at 4th Avenue Property Management. We’d be happy to share more information.