When you live in an HOA community, you need to be familiar with the governing documents and bylaws. These documents govern how the board runs the association, including regulating parking, pets and amenity use.
Besides those documents, many homeowners associations also have rules that regulate exterior modifications. These rules are designed to protect the appearance of the community.
Pool and Spa Furniture
Homeowner associations (HOAs) typically have some kind of pool or spa restrictions that residents need to follow. These may be simple – such as the ability to only use self-locking gates – or complex – such as requiring that hot tubs are only in use during certain times of day.
The key is to understand the HOA’s rules before you break them. These rules usually are spelled out in the community’s CC&Rs, which are legal documents that set up and govern the community’s rules.
In a residential HOA, the community’s board is responsible for enforcing all of its rules. This could include parking, lawn care and other common areas regulations.
Choosing the right furniture is critical to keeping the pool and deck area safe and welcoming for all of your members. The wrong piece of furniture can create a hazard, lead to accidents and increase your association’s liability exposure.
It’s also important to choose commercial grade pool and spa furniture that will hold up to the test of time. In addition to looking good, it should also stand up to harsh weather conditions and regular cleanings.
One thing to look for when evaluating the best furniture is a manufacturer’s warranty. Most will offer warranties ranging from one to five years. If the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t clearly state what is covered and what is not, then you should be wary.
Another feature to look for is a design that can be easily cleaned with a simple soap and water solution. This will help protect your investment and reduce the buildup of natural oils or dirt on the furniture, which can cause it to look dull.
In the end, the right pool and spa furniture will make all of your guests feel welcome and want to spend more time there. This will help you to maximize your property’s value as well.
It’s not only the best way to improve your community’s pool area, but it can also help you attract new members. Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere can go a long way in making your HOA the talk of the neighborhood.
Deck and Patio Furniture
If you’re planning a major home improvement project, such as installing a new deck, you’ll need to make sure that it meets all the requirements of your homeowners association (HOA). Many HOAs require a homeowner to seek their approval before building a new addition to their property.
You can find out if your property is in an HOA by checking the CC&Rs or talking to a member of your association. It’s important to check these documents before you start work on your project so that you don’t violate any rules or cause problems for the rest of your community.
It is important to keep in mind that your HOA is in charge of maintaining the quality of the homes in your community, so you should respect their guidelines. In some cases, if you fail to follow their regulations, you may be subject to fines.
Another way to avoid a problem is to ensure that you’re using high-quality materials when building your deck or patio. The right materials can add to your enjoyment, and protect your investment in the long run.
For example, you should look for a furniture that has powder-coated frames, Sunbrella fabrics and UV inhibitors. These features will help your outdoor furniture last longer and resist fading or staining, which can save you money in the long run.
In addition to looking for furniture that is made of durable, weather-resistant materials, it’s also important to consider whether or not your furniture has a warranty. Most warranties have a one-year period of coverage, but you can ask for a longer warranty if necessary.
Lastly, you should consider your budget when purchasing patio and deck furniture. If your budget is limited, you should stick to smaller pieces of furniture such as individual chairs that fold or stack and small tables. However, if you have more room to spare, you can choose from a variety of dining sets and sofas that feature ottomans.
If your HOA doesn’t have specific restrictions on what you can or cannot place on your deck, it’s a good idea to specify them in the lease agreement and make it clear that no indoor furniture is allowed on the outdoor space. This will prevent you from dealing with a lot of disgruntled tenants and will give you peace of mind that your space is safe and clean.
Lawn Furniture
Many HOAs have restrictions on lawn furniture, especially in the front yard. This is because they want to maintain a uniform appearance for the entire neighborhood and avoid creating an aesthetically-unpleasing area in which neighbors will not enjoy walking or spending time outdoors. They also want to make sure that lawn decorations, such as birdbaths or fountains, don’t attract mosquitoes and cause health problems. Adding large sculptures to your yard is a big no-no for most HOAs, as well.
These rules are similar to other HOA responsibilities that homeowners are bound by — such as a pre-approved list of exterior paint colors and roof shingle color regulations. If you have any questions about these limitations, be sure to check with your management firm for more information.
Outdoor Furniture Restrictions
Depending on your association, you may have to obey a few of their rules before you can get any of your outdoor furniture up and out. For instance, HOAs often have a list of approved colors and materials for their patios and decks so that people know what they can and can’t use in their yards. And you might have to submit a design before you can put up anything on your lawn, too. It’s best to check with your HOA management firm or an attorney about what kind of restrictions you have and what your specific bylaws or master deed say.