The Board’s Role In


Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disputes: Your Responsibilities, & When to Bow Out


By Lena Barough, Esq. L


 unavoidable reality of community living. Here are some basics to keep in mind when boards 





Smart boards know that friendships, grudges, and stereotypes have no place in association business. They make decisions impartially and take enforcement action consistently. Policies are crafted to avoid subjective or inconsistent outcomes. This helps prevent neighbor  which can spiral out of control.


When an owner demands board intervention, 


The board’s job is to enforce the governing documents on behalf of the association, not individual owners. Sometimes, disputes between neighbors involve (alleged) violations of the governing documents. In those cases, the board needs to investigate, and determine if there is a violation. Boards should remain neutral and base their actions on facts, not feelings.


Trees blocking views protected by the CC&Rs is a common complaint. The board may need to decide if the tree blocks a protected view, but it need not    not take other enforcement action for the complaining owner.


Continued on Page 26  wscai.org 25


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