HOA Covenants

Home Owners Association Covenants. You either love them or hate them. They can be as low as $15 per month covering public pool maintenance, road maintenance, or commons area upkeep...or they can be as high as $199+ per month covering yard maintenance, pool maintenance, common area upkeep, golf club access, security, etc. Some buyers purposefully avoid communities with HOAs, because they do not like the building restrictions or monthly fees. If you choose to take advantage of a community with an HOA, make sure you thoroughly read the covenants BEFORE making an offer on a home or lot. Ask questions if you are unsure about certain statements and remember to always keep a copy of the covenants if you do make an offer.

One family, recently spotlighted in the StarNews' Animal Tales, has learned what kind of an effect an HOA can have on their family. Recently, they were informed their elderly dog was over the 20 lb weight limit allowed at Willoughby Park, a restriction they claimed was not part of the covenants they received when they bought their townhome in 2007. Now, they must either give away their four-legged family member or sell their home. Despite pleading, the HOA has refused to allow the dog to remain, but it is very hard to find elderly dogs homes.

So, who is in the wrong and how should this problem be resolved?

Tom Grady brings up some important points in his column. If you haven't already, pop on over and read the article. I have my own personal opinion, but I would like you to formulate your own.

Always remember to read the HOA covenants. It is the job of your real estate agent to locate those covenants for you.