Homeowners associations have rules and restrictions in place for a reason. They protect the community, provide structure and enhance the value of homes within it.
These guidelines are often based on architectural standards. Typically, a homeowner must comply with these in order to avoid penalties. For example, an HOA might not allow a lawn sculpture if it will interfere with lawncare.
Lawn Furniture
Many homeowners associations place limits on the amount of lawn furniture that can be placed in a home. This is because the association wants to keep a consistent visual consistency throughout the neighborhood. It is a similar reason why the HOA might have pre-approved lists for exterior paint colors or roof shingle colors.
Some of these rules are based on aesthetics, like the fact that it does not look good to have a garish sculpture in someone’s front yard, but some of them may also be based on practicality, such as the fact that water features like fountains or birdbaths can become mosquito attractors.
This is another area where it is important to refer to the bylaws and CC&Rs of the specific community for more information on how the HOA regulates this type of furniture.
Pool Furniture
The pool area of an HOA is where a lot of community activity takes place, so it’s important to make sure residents have the right furniture options to keep them comfortable. The poolside furniture you choose will depend on whether you’re planning to use the space as a dining area, lounge area or both. If you want the option to seat diners at the poolside, you’ll need a set of tables. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy the warm weather, you might consider adding some lounge chairs that offer comfortable seating while swimming.
In general, poolside furniture should be durable and sturdy enough to withstand frequent use. Look for chairs, chaise lounges and tables made of rust-resistant materials, and avoid any that require excessive maintenance or special care. For example, aluminum chairs are popular for their durability and can be re-strapped or professionally repainted every three years to keep them in good condition. Many people are also opting for recycled plastic furniture, which is environmentally friendly and requires very little maintenance.
A comfortable chair or sofa can help guests relax and feel at home in the pool area, and it can encourage social interaction even when they’re not in the water. You can also add some extra comfort to the pool area with a few poolside cushions, which are available in a variety of colors and patterns.
If your HOA plans to hold evening swim events, you’ll need to have some lighting for the pool area. There are battery-powered lights that attach to the walls of the pool and can be easily removed once the event is over. You can also find a wide selection of lighting options that are ADA compliant and friendly to seniors and other residents with mobility issues.
It’s a good idea to have some storage spaces for pool furniture, so that it isn’t left out in the open where it could be damaged or stolen by vandals. Some communities even have specific rules against storing items like boxes or large pieces of furniture in front yards, because these can draw pests and detract from the neighborhood’s aesthetic.
Sculptures
Most homeowners associations have rules limiting the amount of lawn decorations, furniture and sculptures that property owners can put out on their yards. This is mostly done to create a consistent look throughout the community and to keep the neighborhood clean and tidy. It also helps maintain the value of properties.
Some HOAs may not allow large, eye-catching sculptures because they can be distracting to the neighbors. Others might prohibit certain items like bird baths and fountains because they tend to attract mosquitoes, which can be a health hazard for residents. Some may also limit the types of plants that residents can plant in their backyards and front yards. This is often a way to avoid invasive species that can damage or disrupt the surrounding environment.
Another common issue is how some homeowner associations handle complaints about specific items in the community, particularly religious items. If an HOA tries to enforce a rule against a particular religious statue, it can become a major issue that causes a lot of bad press and ill will between neighbors. While it is important to be clear and communicate with members about HOA policies, there are going to be people who just don’t want to abide by them. For this reason, it is best to prevent issues from happening in the first place by being proactive and addressing any problems before they arise.
In order to make sure that everyone is on the same page about what’s allowed and what’s not, an HOA should create a set of guidelines that all new members must read. These should be clearly written and posted somewhere visible, such as in the homeowners association handbook or on the association’s website. Then, if residents are still confused about a policy, they can refer to the guidelines for clarification. By making the guidelines easy to find, it’s more likely that the HOA will be able to enforce them.
Balcony Furniture
Homeowners associations often regulate what residents can and cannot store on their balconies. This includes furniture and decorations. Some of these restrictions may be based on the size of the balcony or how many items can be placed there. They may also be based on holidays or seasons. For example, HOAs often prohibit the display of shamrocks in March or pumpkins and ghosts in October.
HOA-approved balcony furniture may be a good option for condos and townhomes with small balconies. Often, this furniture is crafted from scratch-resistant materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use by multiple tenants. These pieces may cost more than residential-use furniture, but they are a great choice for communities that require durable outdoor furnishings.
Commercial-grade HOA furniture is designed to last — frequently for up to ten years. To learn more about which types of commercial furniture are the best fit for your community, contact Equip, Inc.