It is difficult to estimate how many fines and penalties are collected by homeowners associations each year, as most associations do not keep track of this information. However, a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found that more than half of homeowners associations (54 percent) issue fines for violations of their rules and regulations.

The average fine amount was $100, but some homeowners reported being fined as much as $1,000. Homeowners associations have the ability to levy fines for a variety of reasons, including failure to maintain the property, violating rules and regulations, and not paying assessments.

Violations can be especially expensive when you’re talking about major repairs or improvements, such as those involving HVAC units. In this article, we examine the relationship between HOAs and HVACs and what to do should the two run in conflict to one another.

The Role of HOAs

A homeowners association, or HOA, is a group that manages a community of homes. The HOA sets rules for the community and enforces them. It also maintains common areas, such as parks and pools.

Homeowners who live in an HOA community must pay monthly or annual dues. The dues go towards the salary of the HOA’s employees and the cost of maintaining the common areas.

Some people think that HOAs are beneficial because they help to keep neighborhoods clean and safe. Others believe that HOAs are too restrictive and prevent homeowners from expressing their individuality. Whether you think HOAs are a good or bad thing, they play an important role in many communities across the United States.

Considerations When Buying Into an HOA Community

Considering buying a home with an HOA? Here are some things you should take into account before making your decision:

• Do your research and make sure you understand what the HOA fees cover. Are they just for maintaining the common areas, or do they also cover things like utilities and snow removal?
• Find out if there are any restrictions on how you can use your property. For instance, some HOAs have rules about landscaping, painting, and even what kind of satellite dish you can have.
• Ask about the HOA’s enforcement policies. How do they handle violations of the rules? Are fines common?
• Get to know your potential neighbors. Are they the type of people who are likely to follow the rules, or do they seem like they might be a problem?

Taking these factors into consideration will help you decide whether an HOA is right for you.

HOAs and HVAC Requirements

HOAs are common in many condo and townhome developments. One of the responsibilities of an HOA is to set and enforce certain standards for the community, which may include restrictions on HVAC units.

One way that an HOA may police the type of HVAC unit you have is by having certain guidelines or restrictions in place regarding the type, size, or color of the unit. For example, they may require that all HVAC units be a certain color in order to maintain a cohesive appearance throughout the neighborhood.

HOAs may also have restrictions in place regarding the size or type of HVAC unit in order to prevent any potential damage to common areas or individual properties. For example, they may require that all units be a certain size in order to prevent them from protruding into common areas or walkways.

Additionally, requiring units to be properly maintained can help to prevent excessive dust and debris from being blown into other homes. Ultimately, it is up to the HOA to determine what guidelines or restrictions are put in place regarding HVAC units. However, they typically do so in order to maintain the appearance and property values within the neighborhood.

Working With Your HOA

You may need to get HOA approval before you can install a new HVAC unit in your home or make any changes to your current system. This is particularly important if your community has switched to more energy-efficient units or if you are looking to install a new eco-friendly type of system. The best way to find out is to check your community’s guidelines.

You may also need to have your unit inspected to make sure it meets community standards. If you’re given notice of a violation, you’ll need to take action to correct the problem. This may involve fixing the violation or replacing your HVAC unit.

Depending on your community’s guidelines, you may be able to appeal the decision. However, it’s important to act quickly to avoid violating your community’s rules and potentially facing penalties. A little communication on the front end can save you time and trouble.

Do you need help attaining compliance with your HOA? Are you looking to install a new system or do you just want to ensure the work is being done in a manner that doesn’t contradict your association? Superior AC & Heat has many years of experience helping homeowners stay within their agreement when doing HVAC work. Contact us today to get your project off on the right foot.