Reasons Your Residents Don't Respect Your HOA
Many modern communities have homeowners' associations. The HOA is responsible for governing the community on everything from landscaping requirements to building codes. In some communities, the residents abide by the guidelines of the HOA without hesitation, and in other instances, the residents practically ignore the guidelines. If you face the latter scenario, your situation isn't random; there is a clear reason why. Discover why your residents might not take your HOA seriously.
No Point-of-Contact
People need a point of contact when they have a need. A generic phone number that is set up with a voicemail box that no one ever answers is not how you provide this contact. Residents need to know that they can contact a specific person, during specific hours if they have an issue or question. Otherwise, the HOA doesn't seem like a genuine body, so why even bother abiding by its guidelines.
Inconsistent
Be consistent. For example, assume the fence guideline called for wood colors. Yet, several residents have wrought iron fences. Don't pick and choose when to enforce the rules. For instance, don't allow those people who installed their wrought iron fences years ago to keep them and force new homeowners to remove them. This type of inconsistency makes people not take the organization seriously.
Changing Policies
Changes are expected with an HOA organization, but they should not be enacted without some serious thought and only in moderation. Using the previous example of the fence guidelines, it would be unwise to update the guideline that wrought iron fences are approved in one year. The next year, the policy changes and they aren't allowed, and then the following year the policy changes are they are once again allowed. The back and forth process creates confusion and makes the HOA look unorganized and unprofessional.
A Solution
An HOA management firm can eliminate these issues. An HOA management firm is a dedicated service that controls every aspect of your organization from resident contact to policy enforcement. Many of these firms have years of experience in the industry and will use their knowledge to help you strengthen your organization and establish a better relationship with your residents.
If your current homeowners' association operates based on any of the above-mentioned scenarios, these specific concerns could be the reason your residents pay little attention to the organization and the rules. Partner with an HOA management firm, like Bradley Scott, Inc., who can operate the organization on your behalf.
