Common HOA Guidelines to Know Before Living in an HOA Neighborhood
Living in an HOA neighborhood may not be for everyone. Read these common HOA guidelines to see if an HOA community is right for you.
INTERESTING ARCHITECTURE TRENDS
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WHY ARE THESE TRENDS COMING BACK AGAIN?
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WHAT TRENDS DO WE EXPECT TO START GROWING IN THE COMING FUTURE?
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WHY IS IMPORTANT TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE ARCHITECTURE TRENDS?
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WHAT IS YOUR NEW FAVORITE ARCHITECTURE TREND?
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When you think of an HOA neighborhood, what do you picture? Many may picture a picturesque community with uniformly shaped hedges and perfectly manicured grass. For some, this sounds like the ideal living situation, while others may feel stifled by the community. Living in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA) isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay… but how do you know if moving into an HOA community is the best choice for you?
Fortunately, we’ve collected 10 of the most common HOA guidelines so you can get an idea of what life would be like in one of these communities. If you and your family are considering moving into an HOA neighborhood, here are some of the most vital factors for you to consider!
- Landscaping
To maintain the curb appeal of their communities, many HOAs have rules about lawn maintenance that residents must adhere to. These mandates could regulate anything from the length of your grass, the kinds of pesticides and fertilizers you can use, or how often you’re required to pull your weeds. Plus, some HOAs may have regulations on the types of plants allowed and where you can plant in your yard. If you’re into gardening or composting, you will want to learn the rules governing these activities, as some HOAs may have restrictions.
- Noise
Many HOAs have regulations around noise, including quiet hours, similar to what might be observed in an apartment building. This isn’t necessarily out of the ordinary, as many cities have noise ordinances limiting loud noises during certain hours. To prevent excessive noise, homeowner associations may limit how many people you can have at an outdoor gathering. If you violate these rules or receive a noise complaint, you may receive a fine from the HOA board. If you receive repeated noise complaints, the police may get involved depending on local laws around noise.
- Pets
Do you have any pets? Many HOAs have rules regarding the kind of pets you can own, so you will want to ensure your furry friend isn’t on the list. Limitations may include the species and breed of pet you can own, the weight or size of a pet, and the number of pets allowed. HOA boards often restrict residents to no more than two pets and limit residents to only cats or dogs. Some HOAs may also have rules regarding using dog leashes and pet waste disposal during walks. Typically, pet restrictions in HOA neighborhoods align with most apartment pet regulations.
If you’re a pet owner considering moving into an HOA neighborhood, consult the board about what kinds of pets are allowed, as well as how many. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you have to decide between your new home and your pets.
- Design Changes
To ensure a level of curb appeal is upheld in the community, many homeowner associations may require the maintenance of a consistent home aesthetic in the neighborhood. For example, residents may be limited in their ability to install solar panels, alter the design of their mailbox, and build a deck or patio. If such remodels or additions are allowed, residents may still need approval from the HOA board and may need to use a contractor from an approved list.
- Home Maintenance
HOAs often value a consistent level of curb appeal, thus, residents are expected to maintain a certain standard of appearance for their property. HOA rules may control elements of your home’s exterior appearance, like the color of your siding and trim, the height of your fence, and whether HVAC units or other equipment must be concealed from the street viewing with landscaping. Furthermore, an HOA may also restrict any lawn signs or have guidelines residents must adhere to regarding window coverings used in street-facing windows.
- Vehicles and Parking
Frequently, HOAs may limit how many vehicles and what types can park on your property, as well as where residents and visitors are allowed to park. Some HOAs require company cars to be parked in the garage, and if these vehicles are allowed to remain in the driveway, many residents are still obliged to cover up any visible logos. Large vehicles, like RVs and boats, could also be banned from the driveway. Some HOAs also implement speed regulations. While the HOA can’t contradict local speed laws, they can enforce existing speed limits.
If you have a company vehicle you park at home, inquire about the regulations regarding these vehicles before moving in. While some HOAs require these vehicles to be kept in the garage, some company vehicles may be too large to fit inside average-sized garages.
- Outdoor Decorations
If you like to deck the halls with holiday decorations, this next set of regulations may be a deal breaker. Some homeowner associations may limit the size and types of outdoor decorations allowed, how elaborate decorations can be, and how long before and after a holiday you can keep lawn decorations up. These rules may also include what kind of flags you can display outside your home year-round.
- Trash and Recycling
One of the reasons many people appreciate HOAs is because of regulations around trash. These mandates may control what can and cannot be disposed of in community dumpsters, whether personal garbage cans must have lids, and whether furniture can be left on the street for disposal. These rules may also regulate when garbage bins can be brought outside and when garbage bins must be taken inside.
- Occupancy Limits
Occupancy limits are a common fixture in many HOA rules. The number of occupants a home may have often depends on the home’s square footage; larger homes allow for higher occupancy levels, while smaller homes allow lower occupancy levels. This means that a family member or friend in the process of finding a new apartment couldn’t move in with you, even temporarily, if you’ve already met the maximum number of adults allowed to reside in your home.
- Exterior Storage
Some homeowners associations may set guidelines around exterior storage. For example, bikes, kayaks, and other equipment may have to be stored out of view of the street behind a fence or in the garage. The HOA may also prohibit you from building extra storage structures that aren’t attached to your home, such as sheds.
While HOA regulations will differ for each community, these are some of the most common rules observed by many HOA boards. Some people will love the environment these guidelines provide, while others may feel stifled by them. When considering moving into an HOA neighborhood, it’s important to research the neighborhood’s regulations to determine whether or not the community is a good fit for your family’s lifestyle. By evaluating how you feel about each of the 10 rules outlined above, you can determine whether living in an HOA neighborhood is right for you.
For more home maintenance information, check out our blog!
Resources:
9 Common HOA Violations And How To Avoid Them
16 HOA Rules and Regulations You Need to Know + Real Examples
50 HOA Rules You Should Expect to Follow When You Buy a House
