Don't Get Fined! đź’¸ 3 Administrative & Communication Rules Homeowners Forget

Don't Get Fined! đź’¸ 3 Administrative & Communication Rules Homeowners Forget

Not all rule violations are about overgrown lawns or misplaced trash cans. Some of the most disruptive violations are administrative—they involve forgetting to tell the HOA about something important. Here's how CamWise Association Management helps you navigate the paperwork and communication guidelines.

 

1. The Leasing/Renter Notification Fail đź“„

 

If you decide to rent out your home, your HOA likely has strict rules about notifying the Board and management.

  • The Rule: Homeowners who lease their property must provide the Board or management with a copy of the lease, contact information for the tenants, and sometimes, a deposit. There may also be a rental cap or minimum lease term (e.g., 6 months or 1 year).

  • The Accidental Slip-Up: The homeowner leases the home without ever telling the HOA, and the new tenant isn't aware of any community rules. This can lead to violations and complicate collections.

  • The Easy Fix: Inform CamWise before you list the property. We can review your specific leasing rules and provide you and your new tenants with the official governing documents package, ensuring everyone is on the same page from Day One.

 

2. Failure to Update Contact Information đź“ž

 

When your phone number or email changes, the Board and management need to know!

  • The Rule: Homeowners are required to provide current mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses to the association for official communication, billing, and emergency purposes.

  • The Accidental Slip-Up: You move your billing to a different account, switch email providers, or get a new cell phone but forget to update the HOA. Then, you miss a crucial assessment notice or an alert about a community maintenance issue.

  • The Easy Fix: Always update your contact info with CamWise immediately. It’s just as important as updating your bank or post office. This ensures you receive important legal notices and community alerts without delay.

 

3. The Fence or Pool Installation Blind Spot 🏊♂️

 

While we covered ARC approval in Blog 1, some projects require more than just HOA approval—they require local municipality permits.

  • The Rule: Major structural projects—like installing a pool, building an addition, or adding a new fence—require approved permits from the local city or county building department in addition to HOA approval.

  • The Accidental Slip-Up: A homeowner secures HOA approval, thinks they are done, and proceeds to build without getting the required government permits. This can result in "stop-work" orders, heavy fines from the city, and legal issues for the homeowner.

  • The Easy Fix: Treat the ARC approval as Step 1, not the final step. When CamWise approves a major project, we will remind you to check for local permits, but the responsibility rests with the homeowner to ensure all local codes and ordinances are met before construction begins.

Back to blog