Support the HOAs

I have lived in our condominium community since 2014. When I first arrived, the community was in great shape. However, a year later, things began to backtrack:

• The pool could not be used (for many years).
• The property needed a better maintenance plan.
• Many residents needed to catch up on their dues. Not paying cost the community more money, so the community had to build up the reserves.
• No one complied with the rules; if violations were made, they were not enforced.

This was a valuable lesson on the importance of HOAs and their board of directors. Since then, the board, with the management company's assistance, was able to put the property on a maintenance program: painting, trees/landscaping, and road. The pool was fixed and opened and used often. Dues owed have been paid or put on a payment plan. When there were violations, there was a notice sent out and corrected. I understand many have issues with HOAs. However, they are essential. They help keep our community safe and our homes of value by ensuring the policies are followed and enforced. As well as our grounds kept up.

Our community has many renters, which has become a more significant issue because they do not see the same value in the area as the owners. Owners need to communicate with them about the covenants/declarations. They become contentious when a letter is sent out or spoken to directly about a violation. A frustration of the board is the new legislation, HB 1137. Violations are IMPOSSIBLE to enforce.

Laws need to change, to allow the community to enforce the violations and have a quicker turnaround.