Maintenance In An HOA!!

[@christinemclaughlindpt7433]

What are your thoughts on an HOA that is required by the bylaws to maintain landscaping when they fail to adequately maintain landscaping for over 4 years? Concerns have been brought. Lawns are around 50% dead and bushes continually grow into driveways, requiring homeowners to maintain their own landscaping.

[@HOAAssist]

Hi Christine, there could be a host of reasons as to why landscaping or any other aspect of the community is not maintained by the Association, when it should be. Without knowing the financial condition of the HOA, I would have to make assumptions. Perhaps there are not enough operating/checking funds to address landscaping needs in the community? Or maybe the Board has chosen to address other, more cortical issues instead? Most often than not, past Association Boards do not increase dues enough over time to have the funds needed for routine or future projects for homeowners or Boards that proceed them. When that happens, homeowners get frustrated when certain aspects of the community are neglected. This can trigger homeowners to take action themselves to improve the landscaping for example. Unfortunately this can cause tension/confusion later on, as there creates a divide between the homeowners who have waited for the Association to step in vs those who have contributed their own funds/effort to maintain the property. If there is an upcoming Board meeting you are able to attend, that may be beneficial to voice your concerns at the homeowner forum and or gain insight on the current financial condition of the HOA.

[@christinemclaughlindpt7433]

I’m thinking people who volunteer should be held to their fiduciary duties, no?

[@HOAAssist]

Absolutely, that's the role of being a Board member. However, if there are not enough funds to keep up with all that needs to be addressed, a Board is left to aggressively increase dues (based on limits outlined in the governing documents), or pursue a special assessment in an effort to catch up.