HOAs have rules that all members must follow. The association is responsible for enforcing these rules and taking action against violations. It is important for board members to be well aware of these guidelines and common violations so they can be proactive.

In this article, we will go over a list of HOA violations and provide tips on how to prevent them.

What is an HOA violation?

HOAs have governing documents that include CC&Rs, by-laws, and other important rules and regulations. If a member breaks one of these rules, they will receive a violation notice from the HOA board. The notice usually includes details about the violation itself, how to fix it, possible penalties, and a deadline to respond to the issue. 

List of HOA Violations

1. Landscaping Violations

A landscaping violation happens when someone doesn’t take care of their outdoor space properly. This could mean letting the grass grow too tall or neglecting the garden. HOAs often have restrictions on the types of plants and trees that can be grown. These rules are there to ensure the neighborhood looks good and maintains its aesthetic.

2. Garbage Violations

Keeping the community clean is important for maintaining curb appeal and avoiding pests. There are often rules about when and where to put trash bins. If residents put things in the wrong dumpster, they might also get a warning. 

3. Pet-Related Violations

An HOA pet violation occurs when residents break rules such as:

• Having too many pets
• Allowing them to roam off-leash
• Not cleaning up after them
• Causing noise disturbances such as excessive barking

These rules strike a balance between individual homeowners’ rights and the collective interest in a well-maintained community. 

4. Parking Violations 

HOA Parking violations often include parking in restricted areas, using visitor spots improperly, or exceeding the allotted number of vehicles. HOA Parking rules are common as they help maintain order, prevent congestion, and ensure fair parking for everyone in the community.

5. Noise Violations

Noise violations often include excessive noise, like loud music, parties, or pet dogs barking. Rules on noise in HOAs are common to ensure a peaceful living environment for everyone. The purpose is to prevent disturbances and conflicts among neighbors. They help maintain a harmonious atmosphere and considerate living conditions for all residents.

6. Holiday Decoration Violations

Holiday-related rules exist to prevent violations that could affect the community’s appearance and disturb residents. For instance, during Halloween, certain decorations might violate rules due to their potential to frighten people. 

Violations can include exceeding color restrictions, surpassing size limitations, or displaying decorations considered inappropriate.

Some rules may also cover decorations that blink too rapidly, as this could trigger epileptic fits. 

7. Rental Violations

Because of platforms like Airbnb, renting has become more common lately. These apps make it easy for people to rent their homes for short periods. Because of this, HOAs are often updating their rules to deal with this trend and make sure the community stays in good shape. If you want to rent your property you will have to check your governing documents frequently. 

Here are some common types of restrictions:

• Short-term rentals: There might be rules regarding the minimum rental period — they are normally between 30 to 90 days. 
• Commercial rentals: Normally, HOAs prohibit commercial renting because of the traffic that it generates. So, if you want to use your house for commercial purposes, you should obtain permission from your association. 
• Nightly rental: HOAs don’t typically want temporary guests, so they might prohibit nightly rentals in order to prevent properties from becoming hostels, for example. 

8. Architectural Violations

Architectural violations typically refer to changes made to a property that have not been approved by the association’s architectural committee. An HOA aims to maintain a consistent pattern among homes and preserve the overall aesthetic. There might be rules regarding what you can modify on your property, what color you can paint your house, installing solar panels, and even adding a different mailbox. 

9. Exterior Storage Violations

HOAs may sometimes prevent certain items from being displayed outside of your home. For example, bicycles may be required to be kept behind a fence. There may also be rules preventing sheds or storage structures that aren’t attached to the house. 

10. Smoking Violations 

An HOA smoking violation often occurs when residents breach rules around cigarettes, vaping, or marijuana use.  Rules around smoking are common within HOAs. They prevent smell issues and health concerns associated with secondhand smoke. With the emergence of new smoking methods like vaping and changing marijuana regulations, HOAs often update rules to ensure community harmony.

3 Tips to Prevent HOA Violations 

To live in a harmonious community, it is important to know and follow the rules. Here are 3  tips to help you avoid common HOA violations.

1. Stay informed

Keep yourself updated on the HOA rules and regulations. Regularly check communication channels, such as newsletters or community boards, to stay informed about any changes or reminders. 

When you joined the HOA, you should have received copies of the governing documents. Refer to them whenever you’re in doubt. Your HOA may also provide online access to these documents, offering a convenient way to find them easily and check for any updates.

2. Follow the rules

Follow the established guidelines for maintenance, landscaping, and any other specific rules outlined by the HOA. If you break a rule, the board will notify you of the violation, and you should have some time to rectify it before facing penalties. Make sure to take action during this period to avoid further consequences. 

3. Open Communication

If you have questions or concerns about certain rules, don’t hesitate to reach out to the board of your HOA for clarification. Open communication can help avoid unintentional violations, and it allows you to address any issues before they escalate.

Wrapping Up: List of HOA violations

We hope this list of HOA violations has given you insights into what to keep an eye on. When you stay informed and respect the rules, you’re actively contributing to the well-being of your community. This makes it a fantastic place for everyone and helps steer clear of conflicts.