One of the first things you’ll notice in the neighborhood after moving into a new home in a gated village or subdivision is the homeowners association. What is it exactly, and why is it important? What would your duties as a homeowner association member be, and what benefits would you end up receiving?
In subdivisions, villages, communities, and occasionally condos, organizations known as homeowners associations, or HOAs serve as a governing body for the property and its occupants.
In most cases, as soon as you buy a property that falls under the purview of a homeowners association, you automatically join and are obligated to pay dues like HOA fees.
Can you refuse to join a Homeowner’s Association?
The short answer is yes. Under the law, all homeowners are qualified to join a HOA, but they are not required or mandated to be members. Membership is optional unless it’s stipulated in the Deed of Sale or relevant documents are annotated in the title of the property.
This doesn’t mean, however, that homeowners who opt out are entirely unbeneficial while inside the village. They may still enjoy benefits such as security, as it should be. But they may not be allowed to use facilities that require membership, like the community pool, sector house, or other programs that are exclusively available to members.
Pros of Joining a Homeowners Association
1. Maintenance of roads
Maintenance services are a major benefit of HOAs. This includes cleaning roads, sidewalks, and front yard grass, and removing trash. The maintenance staff cleans common areas like parks, so you can walk with the kids.
2. Use of amenities and common areas
The HOA uses monthly dues to improve the neighborhood. Clubhouses, pools, basketball courts, parks, better street lighting, security cameras, etc. are built and kept up.
3. 24/7 Security
The monthly dues and fees also cover the cost of security guards who patrol the subdivision’s gates and make rounds around the neighborhood performing regular security checks on the properties.
4. Mediation of disputes with neighbors
There may be times when you and your neighbors disagree about things like parking in inappropriate places, unbearable noise, or misplacing garbage. Don’t worry, the HOA management can intervene, listen, and assist you in resolving your disagreement.
5. Increased value of homes
Most of the time, HOAs have rules about how houses should look and how they should be kept up. This keeps the quality of the houses up to standard and keeps their curb appeal.
Cons of Joining a Homeowners Association
1. Monthly dues
Monthly fees can be costly. HOAs can charge “special assessments” for large, unexpected projects that existing funds can’t cover. Nonpayment of dues, fees, and special assessments may result in interest and penalties, which should not exceed 12% per year..
2. Renters are sometimes ignored
Because renters are not always seen as homeowners, they may not be able to go to HOA meetings or use certain amenities. So, if you’re leasing or subletting your property, you should be responsible for attending monthly HOA meetings and relaying updates to your lessee.
Elanvital Enclaves strive to provide a harmonious environment among its residents. For more information, you can call +63 9271440196 or look at our website.
