A homeowners’ association can make certain rules for residents as they strive to create a more uniform community. Residents sign a contract when they purchase the house. They are private homeowners, but since they are buying a home within the HOA, they still have to abide by these rules.
For instance, there are often rules governing public spaces. The HOA may use its dues to provide public amenities like a pool that residents are allowed to use. But there may be rules such as hours when the pool can be used, restrictions for guests, or prohibitions on things like alcohol consumption or loud music. The HOA can enforce these community rules.
Home-specific rules
However, there can also be a number of rules that are more specific to each person’s home. They still have to follow these even though they are not related to community amenities. Examples include:
- Restrictions on where people can park
- Rules about subletting or leasing the home
- Noise restrictions for parties or social gatherings
- Aesthetic regulations, such as governing what paint colors a homeowner can use or when they can put up holiday decorations
- Design restrictions, such as governing what type of parts and materials can be used during a home renovation or update
- Rules for pets, such as stipulating how a dog has to be contained on the property or what obligations homeowners have to clean up after their pets
In some cases, conflicts can occur because homeowners do not like the idea of following outside rules that govern the choices they make with their own house. During these conflicts, it is important for both sides to understand the contracts that were signed and the legal steps they can take moving forward.