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requiring that the homeowner fill out an architectural form and submit it for proper review. Giving people passes and doing favors for people will just set up more non- compliance. Without routine inspections, word will get around quickly that following procedures are not valued or important. People will follow rules if everyone is made to follow the rules. It’s the inconsistency that breeds contempt.
Non-enforcement sends a message that rules are not important. Inconsistency breeds contempt.
Be a Model Member Model the appropriate behavior that teaches
people how to live in a condo or HOA community.
Keep each other honest. Be the ones who follow the rules better than anyone. As board members, you are held to the highest standards. Enforcement should be consistent, which means that you should be sending warnings and fining board members as you would any homeowner.
Be consistent and fair with rules enforcement. Never discriminate. Everyone must be held accountable and every rule must be reasonably enforced. No picking and choosing which homeowners are cited and which rules to enforce.
Don’t apologize for having community rules. Be careful not to trivialize or make a mockery of the rules. Be proud of your job to make sure people comply with them. Encourage everyone to live up to those standards. It’s what makes your community run smoothly.
Provide Homeowner Education
Provide educational sessions five or ten minutes prior to every board meeting and annual meeting. These can be the same or similar sessions that
board members use for themselves. For the homeowners, it can be as simple as announcing a reminder of a covenant or rule and reference to the section in the governing documents. Most condo and HOA owners are not aware of the seriousness of living in a community with shared
26 Community Associations Journal | July-August 2022
amenities, expenses, and liabilities, and don’t understand why following the rules is so important.
Impact on Home Values
Living in a community association goes far beyond just having the lawn mowed. Everyone
needs and wants to know what to expect—that rules will be enforced timely and efficiently. You don’t want a new homeowner to hear from other homeowners that “no one really cares about the rules here.” Lack of maintenance and adherence to the rules affect home values and homeowners’ pocketbooks. Everyone has a financial interest in ensuring that all home values are maintained, that risks are reduced and that the community is a beautiful place to live.
Provide detailed explanations of rules and regulations and how changes to the document are made. Explain why rules must be enforced and how you will re-engage in a consistent rule enforcement procedure. Board members are expected to enforce rules, maintain the common areas, maintain home values, and provide a safe environment.
Enforced rules protect home values, maintain common areas, and create a safe and enjoyable environment.
Use Every Opportunity
Every communication and every meeting is an opportunity for homeowner education, and it doesn’t hurt to repeat subjects often. Include a “Lesson of the Month” in your newsletters. Use a headline such as: “Community Living: Rules to Live By” and highlight a different section of the rules, covenants, or bylaws. Here are a few topics to cover throughout the year: ` What is a community association? ` How to use the amenities ` Finances: budgets, how a reserve account works, major project assessments
` Volunteer opportunities and training ` Architectural reviews and remodel policies ` Board meeting attendance, the annual meeting, and voting
` Covenants and bylaws ` Social gatherings ` Pet policies
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