Homeowners associations 

are, to a certain extent, responsible for the general well-being of the community they serve. That said, they have to ensure that every household within their jurisdiction is well-informed about COVID-19, specifically, health and safety protocols mandated by their state or region. So for instance, HOAs in California should have informed their respective communities about the Stay at Home Order signed into effect last December 5, 2020. Such regulations are important to know because related violations could mean penalties for the HOA and the member in question.

 

What other things should HOAs do to help their community cope during the pandemic? Here are some of them:

 

1. Financial relief

 

The pandemic has negatively impacted everyone’s finances and homeowners associations understand this. That’s why many of them have provided and still are providing some form of financial relief to their homeowners. These could include non-eviction of delinquent tenants, relaxed payment terms for delinquent members, and temporary reduction of HOA fees.

 

2. Keeping members updated on COVID-19-related news and information

 

It’s important for everyone in the community to be well-informed about COVID-19, particularly, facts and data about community transmissions, new and/or mutated coronavirus variants, regional and state-wide regulations, and other such important information. By keeping members informed, everyone will be made aware of new threats or risks, or regulations that should be followed, so they can act and take steps accordingly.

 

3. Staying on top of HOA-related laws

 

There are certain HOA laws that will take effect in 2021 to protect both the homeowners and the association. Some of these include rental restrictions, which prohibit HOAs from turning down renters (“unreasonably restrict”), except short-term renters, and limiting the number of rentals in their community. For rental restrictions, HOAs are given until the end of December 2021 to draw-up new governing documents to incorporate these changes.

 

4. Regular site inspections for cleaning and disinfecting

 

It is the HOA’s responsibility to keep all common or public areas in their community safe for all homeowners, especially during the pandemic. Safety measures at this time focus on ensuring all surfaces and “touchpoints” are regularly cleaned and disinfected, which include door handles, elevator buttons, and handrails.

 

5. Health and safety reminders posted in high-visibility areas

 

Printed health and safety reminders are posted in public and high-visibility areas. Some HOAs use graphics and images to make these reminders easier to understand and remember even for kids. These health and safety reminders are also evaluated from time to time to see if additional tips should be included or some items changed.

To say Christmas is different this year is an understatement. COVID-19 has turned the entire world upside down and with it came changes that no one saw coming. Among the things that drastically changed during this time of the pandemic is how special occasions and milestones are celebrated. This Christmas season, homeowners associations may allow celebrations in their communities but with a few restrictions to minimize the risk of contracting the coronavirus and keep everyone safe.

Here are a few HOA tips on how to celebrate Christmas or other special occasions for that matter without increasing your risk or exposure to the virus:

1. Follow CDC guidelines

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been on top of the situation since the onset of the pandemic. They have been providing guidelines on practically everything that has to do with keeping everyone safe while going about their business. With that said, HOAs should remind their homeowner-members to strictly follow CDC guidelines on celebrations.

2. Celebrate with household members only

Household members are those who live in the same house with you, which could be your immediate family and other relatives. As much as possible, it is advised that celebrations should be held among household members only as each of you follow the same health and safety protocols, and you are all aware of each other’s comings and goings.

3. Keep gatherings down to a small group only

If it really can’t be helped, and you must invite a few people over, make sure to keep the guest list to a bare minimum. In other words, make the gathering small. And since you will be inviting people from other households, you all must follow the general safety protocols recommended by the WHO and CDC: wear a face mask (and a face shield, if possible), always wash your hands with soap and water (make sure to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds), and sneeze in the fold between your arm and elbow. Remove your mask to eat and drink, and wear it afterwards.

4. Celebrate outdoors

One of the latest findings about the novel coronavirus is that it can infect other people through airborne transmission. And airborne transmission poses a higher risk in enclosed spaces, so for small gatherings, it is strongly advised that you hold it outdoors for better air circulation, if possible. Make sure to double-check with your HOA about outdoor gatherings at this time.

5. Practice physical distancing

If you’re inviting guests, make sure to practice physical distancing (at least six feet apart from one another at all times), so arrange seats in a way that will make it easier for everyone to keep their distance.

Also, do not hesitate to un-invite those who are feeling sick on the day of your small party.

The holiday season in 2020 may not be as fun and festive as the previous years, but this shouldn’t stop you and other homeowners in your community from celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Putting up a few holiday decorations might just get you and your neighbors in a more festive mood. Before you do any decorating, however, it is best to check with your homeowners association about regulations on holiday decorations in your community.

Common rules for holiday decorating in HOA-regulated communities

HOAs ensure the communities they serve keep a certain standard to protect property values, maintain the exclusivity of the neighborhood, and basically ensure the community remains a thriving, nurturing, and safe environment for its homeowner-members. That said, they do have a say in what homeowners can and cannot put up in front of their homes, on their roofs, and other exterior areas when it comes to holiday decorations.

1. Nothing loud and gaudy

Keep in mind that any decoration that will ruin the aesthetic appeal of the entire community is prohibited. This might mean no loud and gaudy decorations. Everything has to be tasteful. So it’s best to check with your HOA about the decorations you wish to put up before actually installing them to save you time and effort in case you will be asked to take them down.

2. Follow schedules

HOAs regulate when homeowners can finally put up their holiday decorations and when they need to take them down. Usually, homeowners can start decorating their exteriors at least one month before Christmas and remove them no later than two weeks after the holiday.

Homeowners also need to be mindful about the specific times of the day when they can turn on their Christmas lights and when they need to turn these off.

3. Be mindful of fire hazards

If you’re putting up a real tree, make sure to keep it away from the fireplace, radiator, and other fire hazards. Also make sure that the tree doesn’t dry too much that it turns into a fire hazard, so regularly check the tree stand and make sure that it has enough water at all times.

4. Keep decorations within your property

Last but not the least, when installing your decorations, make sure none of these cross-over to your neighbor’s. Keep those holiday decorations in your own home; meaning, refrain from decorating common areas (at least without the consent of the HOA).

Homeowners associations are generally established to maintain the community; ensuring that all homeowner-members follow the CC&Rs and other regulations and by-laws to maintain community standards and protect property value. And as the gatekeeper of the community, homeowners associations must ensure that all common areas and public spaces and facilities are properly maintained at all times, not only for functionality or aesthetic purposes, but also for the homeowners’ safety.

To maintain these areas, an HOA’s maintenance checklist usually has these four items on top of the list:

1. Exteriors and interiors of structures

It’s important to check the integrity of the structures within the community, especially if these receive high-volume foot traffic on a regular basis. First, the walls and foundation of the buildings will need to be thoroughly assessed, and usually, a professional is hired for the job as they have the eye and expertise to detect even the slightest and smallest risk.

Next, the interiors will be checked. This usually includes doors and windows, vents, drywall, and ceiling. Cracks, leaks, loose tiles, and chipped floorings are some of the vulnerabilities checked.

2. Staircase and elevators

Are there loose boards on the stairs? Is the emergency button in the elevator working? These issues may seem small or inconsequential, but one slip or one incident of being locked inside the elevator without any means to alert anyone is all it takes for a lawsuit to happen. Stairwells and elevators are some of the most frequently used facilities in a condominium or multi-housing complex, which is why regular maintenance is critical for everyone’s safety.

3. Public grounds

Parks, gardens, and pathways are likewise some of the public areas in a community that are frequently used by homeowners, and as such, HOAs need to ensure that members can use these at any time without slipping, tripping, or falling. Homeowners associations usually hire a professional landscape artist and gardener to maintain the grounds, making sure that grasses and bushes are regularly trimmed. Cracks on the pavement also need to be patched to prevent tripping accidents.

4. HVAC system and utilities

HVAC systems and other utilities like gas, power, and water lines could likewise be safety hazards if these aren’t maintained properly. HVAC systems that aren’t functioning properly could be energy leaks, too, which means higher utility bills for the HOA.

There are many other maintenance measures that HOA’s generally perform on a regular basis. The ultimate goal is, as always, to ensure the safety of the community.

A lot of homeowners are in the dark with regard to their HOA’s responsibility in ensuring their safety and security in the community. In general, homeowners associations aren’t entirely responsible for their members’ safety and security; however, they are indeed responsible for keeping public spaces and common areas safe.

If you’ve recently moved and it’s your first time to live in an HOA-regulated community, it would help to know at least the general safety measures that your HOA has taken to ensure that you can sleep soundly at night without worrying about your safety in your own home.

For your reference, below are some of the general safety and security measures that homeowners associations undertake:

1. Vulnerability assessment

HOA’s take the community’s safety seriously, which is why they would have regular inspections of the entire area to evaluate the community’s vulnerability to accident and danger. Usually, HOAs hire a professional security inspector to assess every corner and curb, making sure that all areas are properly checked and evaluated. Doors, locks, windows, stairs, walking paths, and such will be thoroughly checked. During inspection, you could expect a visit from the HOA personnel and the security inspector to check the safety of your home as well.

2. Maintaining a good relationship with local law enforcement

When a burglary occurs or someone vandalized a member’s home, HOAs will need to report the incident to the local police. This, and other such safety and/or security concerns, will generally require the assistance of your local police, which is why HOA’s make it a point to build a good relationship with their local law enforcement department.

3. Neighborhood security watch

HOAs rely on the support and cooperation of their members’, too; so don’t be surprised if your HOA talks to you about alerting them or a neighbor about strangers lurking around or other unusual activity that could endanger you and your neighbors.

4. Educating members about safety precautions

As mentioned above, your HOA is not entirely responsible for your safety, which means you will have to do your part in ensuring you and your household’s safety, as well as your neighbors’. From time to time, the HOA may call for a meeting to discuss current safety measures in place as well as educate you and the community about new security measures they’re looking to implement. Expect to be invited to safety seminars as well, which you have to make sure to attend.

Ultimately, keeping the community safe is a combined effort of the HOA and its homeowner-members.