People Have Strong Opinions When It Comes to the HOA
Some people love being part of a HOA, but it’s safe to say that a lot of other people hate them. After all, there are a lot of things they can fine you for – and some of them are tiny things you might not even think twice about. Here’s a list of the most unexpected things the HOA was looking out for. Be on your guard!
Leaving Your Garage Door Open
Have you ever accidentally left your garage door open overnight? It can be a costly mistake to make, as it puts you at risk of theft… but it also leaves you open to a fine from the HOA. Yep, they don’t like doors being left open, although it seems a lot of that is because of aesthetic reasons.
Inappropriate Drainage Systems
You would have thought that since your house is well, yours, you can do whatever you like with the drainage system. Wrong! The powers that be in the HOA have jurisdiction over the water that comes out of your house. You need to consult them before you install a new drainage system.
Planting the Wrong Kinds of Flowers
This is one of the major reasons people get turned off the very idea of HOAs. Some plants are prohibited, some can’t be allowed to grow above a certain length… it’s maddening for keen gardeners who want to let their gardens run wild and attract bees.
Having Exposed Pipes
This is another thing where because it’s on the outside of your house, the HOA has a say in it. If there’s a exposed pipe on the side of your house, you could be hit with a hefty fine and have to remove it. Basically, always consult your HOA before doing any work on the house whatsoever.
Having a Sprinkler System
People have been turning off sprinkler systems in the past few years, because of the terrible effect they have on the environment. Plus, they’re expensive! And as if that all wasn’t bad enough, you can also be hit with a fine from your HOA for using one without authorization.
Having the Wrong Kind of Paint
You can’t choose your own paint colors if you’re in a HOA – you have to get them pre-approved. So no hot pink or gothic black houses for you. If you paint your house an unapproved color, you’ll be hit with a fine and you’ll have to repaint.
Remodelling Your House
You can do whatever you want to the interior design of your house, it’s when you start adding stuff or taking it away that things get tricky. For example, if you want to replace the windows, you need to ask the HOA first. If they say no, you can’t do it.
Leaving Christmas Lights up Too Long
Do you like to go wild for the holiday season and turn your house into a winter wonderland? Well, you’d better make sure the HOA is okay with whatever you put out, first and foremost, and then you’d better not leave the decorations up too long. That’s a good way to find yourself on the naughty list.
Not Cleaning Your Pool
Having a pool is a big responsibility, and the HOA has rules about them. You need to keep your pool in perfect condition, otherwise you could be hit with a big fine. And honestly, pools are expensive enough already.
Having a Camera Doorbell
Camera doorbells are really popular right now, but beware if you’re in a HOA. Some people find themselves hit with fines when they install a camera doorbell, because the HOA doesn’t want any filming of the other houses in the neighborhood.
