If you live in a homeowners association, you might have noticed that there are some common pieces of furniture that aren’t allowed. Some of these items can be dangerous to other members, while others can be an eyesore.
If you’re concerned about these items, you should look at the HOA’s governing documents and ask questions. This way, you can be sure that the rules are being followed and don’t violate any laws.
Common Areas
In a HOA, common areas are a way for residents to socialize and have fun. They also help keep the community neat and tidy, so homeowners have a pleasant place to live.
The common areas in a home owner’s association (HOA) include the pool area, lawn, lobby and any other shared space that the entire community uses. These areas are usually regulated by the HOA and may be open to all homeowners or reserved for specific uses.
What’s more, the HOA is responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the common elements. In general, the HOA pays for these costs by collecting periodic dues from homeowners.
Some of these fees go into a reserve fund, which is essentially a savings account that helps cover unexpected expenses like replacing the roof on your condo building or resurfacing the parking lot. Other fees help pay for shared amenities, such as a clubhouse or swimming pool.
Another part of HOA funding comes in the form of special assessments, which are used to fund big one-time expenses like repairing sidewalks or resurfacing the parking lot. The HOA’s board sets these assessments, which are typically imposed when the association doesn’t have enough money in its reserve fund.
If you notice problems with the common areas, make a note of them and contact the appropriate person. Alternatively, you can use an app that allows you to send maintenance requests to a designated person in the association. This is the best way to organize maintenance issues so that they don’t get lost or overlooked.
Aside from observing problems, it’s also important to be aware of any rules and regulations that the HOA has in place. For example, some communities have restrictions on lanai furniture, garden sculptures and other types of decorations that are visible to neighbors.
These restrictions are generally intended to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood and protect neighbors from damage caused by unauthorized activities. They also protect the safety of property owners and their families.
Before signing on for a HOA, it’s a good idea to speak to some of the current members. Ask them how they feel about the governing body’s leadership and whether there are any conflicts or disputes that regularly occur. You’ll also want to know how respectful the board is in handling disagreements. You don’t want to be subjected to constant petty squabbles and drama in your HOA community.
Pool Area
A well-maintained and enhanced pool area is a draw for prospective residents and an important asset to your HOA. It can also help increase your property value by attracting new buyers and keeping existing members coming back.
The pool is a great place for community events, including impromptu gatherings, but there are certain safety rules your community should adhere to. Creating a list of common pool safety guidelines can help prevent accidents and reduce legal liability.
For example, make sure that no one runs in the pool area or engages in rough play. This is especially important for small children, who could fall into the water or be injured. Consider restricting alcohol consumption and specifying the types of containers that can be used.
You should also ask people to return their chairs and chaise lounges to their original FLAT position when they are done using them. This can help reduce the risk of furniture damage and keep your HOA community safe.
It’s also a good idea to put pool chemicals on high shelves, so that young children cannot reach them and cause damage to the deck. Having a checklist for all of your equipment and furniture will also help you keep track of what needs to be replaced or repaired next season.
Whether you’re looking to replace the pool tables and chairs in your HOA or add new seating for the community, consider purchasing commercial-grade pieces. These can be easier to care for over time and will give your community a more upscale look.
Another way to ensure that your HOA pool is properly sanitized and maintained is by using a commercial grade filter system and pump. This will not only help your community maintain a healthy pool, but it can also help lower the overall costs of maintaining the area.
A good filter system can cost a few thousand dollars, but it will save your association money in the long run. In addition, it will keep the water clean and free of algae and other harmful bacteria that can cause health issues.
Lawn
The lawn area in a HOA can be just as important as the common areas. Keeping the landscaping green and attractive improves the neighborhood’s curb appeal, which attracts more potential homeowners and increases property values.
While HOA communities often adhere to specific landscaping guidelines, this doesn’t mean you can’t add a little personal flair to your own yard. However, it’s important to keep the style consistent with your home and the neighborhood.
If you’re unsure about your community’s rules, check your bylaws and CC&Rs. These documents will tell you what you can and can’t do with your HOA landscape.
Some HOAs also place restrictions on the type of furniture that is allowed in their lawn areas. This is because it can cause noise and disturb neighbors. If you have concerns, you can speak with the board and explain why you need to use certain types of furniture in your lawn area.
Other regulations may prohibit invasive plants or trees that can damage other areas of the property. Bamboo, for example, can quickly become a nuisance and take over. Virginia creeper and other ivy can also be problematic.
When selecting plants for your lawn, look for ones that are low maintenance and don’t require much watering or care. Evergreen bushes and shrubs are also great options.
Another important aspect of landscaping is to position your plants carefully. You don’t want them to be too close to walkways and sidewalks, as people tend to step on them and kill them. You can also make your plants and shrubs more durable by using pebbles, bricks, or gravel as a ground cover.
Aside from enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your community, maintaining your lawn can help you save money on landscaping costs in the long run. For instance, aerating the soil can make your lawn more water-resistant and prevent weeds from growing.
The same holds true for pruning. Regularly trimming trees and shrubs helps keep them healthy and prevents dangerous issues such as falling branches, limbs, or roots that could cause injury to people and pets.
The best way to stay on top of your HOA’s landscaping maintenance schedule is to work with a trusted and reliable company. At Boulder Falls, we offer a full range of seasonal services to help you keep your properties and neighborhoods looking their best.
Lobby
Your lobby is the first area a resident, visitor or prospective buyer sees when they come to your HOA. This is why it’s important that comfortable, appropriate lobby furniture be part of your association’s presentation and appeal.
A lobby can be a great place for residents to meet and interact, or it can also serve as a quiet space to rest and relax before entering a larger common area. The right furnishings can make a huge difference in a lobby’s appearance, ambiance and functionality, especially if your association is looking to create an open social environment where everyone can feel welcome and at ease.
One thing that is very important when choosing your lobby’s furniture is whether it’s fire-rated or not. In the past, several multi-residential blazes have been linked to the use of furniture that was flammable, and that’s why Toronto Fire Services has implemented new guidelines regarding how condo lobby furniture needs to be fire-rated.
When it comes to deciding how your HOA lobby’s furniture needs to be rated, it is up to the property managers and board members of your association to choose what will best meet compliance regulations. For example, if a party room is separated from the rest of the building by a fire wall, you don’t have to make sure that furniture in that area is rated for fire, but if people need to exit the building through the lobby (as was the case in the three blazes mentioned above) you do need to consider fire-rated furniture.
Another thing to keep in mind when selecting furniture for your lobby is to make sure that it doesn’t have any loose parts or other items that could be a hazard during a fire. For example, you shouldn’t have anything like Christmas tree decorations that could be caught on fire easily if a fire broke out, nor should you have cushions or other soft accessories.
To complete your lobby, try adding floor mats at the door that prevent dirt and water from tracking in, and don’t forget to add some decor, too. Hang some cool wall art for a stylish aesthetic that will draw in more visitors. You can also add book and magazine racks for guest seating or business card racks to promote your association.