When the HOA Should Step in to Resolve Homeowner Disputes

Homeowners in your association are bound to get into disagreements at one time or another. It can be tricky for the board to decide when HOA dispute resolution is necessary, or when they should stay out of it and let the disputing parties resolve their differences among themselves.

This article will explore circumstances where it may be necessary for the HOA to step in to resolve homeowner disputes, and when they should not get involved.

What is a Homeowner Dispute

Homeowner disputes occur when residents within a homeowners association (HOA) disagree over issues that impact their living environment. These disagreements can range from minor personal conflicts to more serious disputes involving property maintenance, noise complaints, or violations of HOA rules.

Common causes of homeowner disputes include:

• Property boundary disagreements
• Noise complaints from loud music or parties
• Parking disputes
• Concerns about pet behavior
• Conflicts over shared amenities or common areas

While some disputes are resolved naturally between neighbors, others may require HOA involvement, depending on the nature of the issue and whether community rules have been violated.

How Homeowner Disputes Affect HOAs

Unresolved homeowner disputes can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of an HOA community. Persistent conflicts can lead to tension between neighbors, frequent complaints to the board, and even legal action if left unchecked.

Some key ways homeowner disputes affect HOAs include:

• Increased workload for the HOA board – Frequent disputes may require board members to mediate, review complaints, or enforce community rules.
• Legal risks – If disputes escalate, they may lead to lawsuits, costing the association time and money.
• Community morale and reputation – An HOA with ongoing conflicts may struggle to maintain a positive living environment, potentially affecting property values.
• Financial strain – If disputes require professional mediation, legal intervention, or additional enforcement efforts, the HOA may incur unexpected expenses.

A well-managed HOA will have clear guidelines on how disputes should be handled to maintain fairness and prevent unnecessary conflicts from escalating.

When Should an HOA Step in to Resolve Homeowner Disputes

Determining when an HOA should get involved in homeowner disputes requires careful judgment. Not all disagreements warrant board intervention, and stepping in at the wrong time can create unnecessary conflict. However, some disputes directly impact the community, require enforcement of HOA rules, or disrupt residents’ quality of life—situations where board involvement may be necessary.

Below are three common scenarios that can help guide the board’s decision:

Personal Issues

If the source of the dispute is something personal, for example, two people who were dating and broke up, or arguments between divorced parents, then it is best for the HOA to stay out of it. It 's hard to be objective in personal disputes, and you don’t want the HOA to seem like it is taking sides.

In addition, specific codes within the governing documents and the HOA dispute resolution process may not have been violated, therefore making it difficult for the HOA to prove grounds for which it is getting involved.

Compliance Issues

If the source of the dispute is due to a violation of policies stipulated in the HOA governing documents, then the HOA may be obligated to step in. For example, noise violation, hygiene standards, and safety regulations may have been violated by one party, and the affected party is complaining about this violation. The HOA is obligated to ensure that the required guidelines are being followed.

In such a situation, the HOA should officially inform, in writing, the violating party and what section of the governing documents that they are contradicting. If the resident does not comply, the HOA can enforce the policies stipulated.

Effect on the Surrounding Community

Some personal disputes can spill over to the surrounding community. Such situations can be difficult for the HOA to determine if it should step in, and they should be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the end, it will depend on the reactions of the affected community and what approach they would prefer to be used by the board.

The HOA should be careful when considering stepping into member disputes. During HOA dispute resolution, if a particular rule is being violated, then the association is obligated to enforce the rules. If it is a personal dispute, they can keep a hands-off approach and provide helpful community resources.

Resolving Disputes Fairly

Homeowner disputes are bound to happen, but the HOA’s role is to step in only when necessary. If a disagreement is personal, the board should stay out of it. If it involves a rule violation or affects the community, the HOA has a duty to enforce its policies.

Clear guidelines and open communication can help prevent conflicts from escalating. By handling disputes fairly and consistently, the HOA can maintain a peaceful and well-managed community.

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