Purchasing a condominium or home may put you under the rules and guidance of an owner’s association. Developments establish these entities to perform certain duties within the community.

There are times when owners and boards disagree. These issues sometimes escalate and wind up in court. Learn about some of the most common reasons owners and board members clash.

What are common disagreements between HOAs and residents?

HOAs establish the expectations owners must follow in the association’s governing documents. Every owner acknowledges these rules upon conveyance. Whether you agree with these rules or not, you must abide by them.

Unpaid assessments

An HOA collects fees, known as assessments. These usually go towards covering the maintenance and upkeep of certain common areas, including things such as:

• Pool
• Park
• Gym
• Landscaping

Condo or townhome owners also pay fees for general maintenance of buildings. If an owner does not pay assessments when they come due, it may escalate to a court action.

Failure to maintain

The association’s purpose is to keep the community up to the standards outlined in the foundation documents. Homeowners must keep the outside of their homes in a fashion that fits with the rest of the neighborhood. When this does not happen, the board may move to impose liens and levies until the property owners begin to maintain it again.

Plan denials

Changing anything about the outside of your home may require approval. When the association does not agree, you may appeal. However, you cannot make certain changes without the board’s permission. You have the option to take your association to court if your request is reasonable and falls within the community guidelines.

Getting through a dispute with an association may require court action. In that case, you may want to seek the assistance of someone with experience handling a conflict.