Living in an HOA is great for people who want a sense of community. With HOA living comes several rules and restrictions that community members must follow to ensure everyone is on the same page. However, not everyone will interpret these guidelines the same way, which means conflict may arise at any time. Today, we’re going over common disagreements and how to handle HOA disputes between neighbors.
Contents of This Article:
- Importance of Dispute Resolution in HOAs
- Common HOA Disputes Between Neighbors
- Who Handles HOA Disputes Between Neighbors?
- How to Stop HOA Disputes Between Neighbors
- Handling HOA Neighbor Disputes the Right Way
Importance of Dispute Resolution in HOAs
Philadelphia HOA managers know that Homeowners Associations are all about community. However, with residents from all walks of life, it’s only natural for members to disagree or argue about something. After all, there are plenty of rules and expectations for community members, which everyone may perceive a bit differently. Whether a neighbor violates a parking rule or causes loud disruptions every night, there are plenty of scenarios where neighbors may not see eye to eye.
While living in a peaceful and harmonious community is ideal, conflicts are still bound to happen. However, it is important to resolve them amicably, whether neighbors can figure it out on their own or it involves the HOA board or a professional mediator. Next, we’ll review some of the most common HOA disputes between neighbors.
Common HOA Disputes Between Neighbors
Neighbors will fight about anything, especially in an HOA. Most HOAs have specific rules regarding landscaping, parking, personal property, and noise restrictions, which everyone may interpret differently. Unfortunately, many of these things can lead to conflict between neighbors. Some examples of the 
most common HOA disputes between neighbors include the following.
- Noise Complaints- Loud parties, barking dogs, or other disruptions can infringe on a resident’s right to peace and quiet.
- Pet Problems- Most HOAs have rules regarding pets. For instance, they’re generally required to be on a leash, and owners are responsible for picking up their waste. However, failing to do so can frustrate other neighbors.
- Parking Conflicts- Most HOAs have limited parking spaces and rules regarding what vehicles can be parked on someone’s property. Taking up too much space can cause arguments between neighbors.
- Maintenance Issues- Responsibilities for shared spaces may cause minor disagreements, whether it’s keeping up with the landscaping, repairs, or overall appearance.
- Encroachment- Infringing on another person’s property is bound to create some type of conflict. It’s important to know your property boundaries and stay within them.
- Poor Communication– Misunderstandings or misinformation can lead to conflicts between neighbors, whether it’s about HOA rules, updates, or policy changes.
- Bad Behavior- Harassment, disturbances, or violations of community rules can create tensions between neighbors. As such, when you live in an HOA, it’s crucial to follow the rules and guidelines set by the board of directors.
Who Handles HOA Disputes Between Neighbors?
How neighbors handle HOA disputes can differ based on the type of conflict. For example, residents can usually resolve small disagreements or misunderstandings on their own without needing mediation.
However, if the conflict blows up or a resident violates the HOA’s rules, the HOA board may need to step in. For instance, if there’s a heated conflict between two residents, the board might mediate discussions or potentially issue fines or warnings.
Some conflicts may involve serious issues like harassment or violations of HUD or FHA regulations. In these situations, the HOA board must act immediately. After all, the board must protect the rights of all residents and ensure compliance with state and local laws. So, in extreme cases where the dispute cannot be resolved internally, it may become a legal matter requiring lawyers or local authorities.
Here are a few examples of how to handle different types of HOA disputes between neighbors.
- Noise Complaints– For minor noise complaints, neighbors usually communicate directly. However, if the problem continues, the board may send a reminder about noise regulations to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
- Property Boundaries– Disputes over property boundaries or shared spaces may require the HOA board to review the governing documents and clarify the rules to both parties. If the conflict escalates, the board can arrange for mediation or seek legal advice.
- Harassment- If a dispute involves harassment, the HOA board must act immediately. They should document all incidents, advise the involved parties of their rights, and potentially involve legal authorities to ensure compliance with anti-harassment laws.
How to Stop HOA Disputes Between Neighbors
It’s nearly impossible to stop all disagreements from happening. After all, not everyone is going to see eye to eye all the time. However, there are some ways to reduce HOA disputes between neighbors, including the following.
- Open Communication- Communication is key in almost any scenario. Open communication between neighbors can help prevent and reduce minor misunderstandings.
- Clear Guidelines- The HOA board should ensure each resident knows the HOA’s rules and regulations. Whether that means sending out periodic reminders or providing residents with copies of the governing documents, awareness is key.
- Fair Rule Enforcement– It’s crucial that the HOA enforces rules consistently and fairly so when disputes arise, they can take quick action to address them according to the community’s established procedures.
Handling HOA Neighbor Disputes the Right Way
It’s not uncommon for neighbors to disagree, fight, or argue for any reason. However, it’s important to take the right steps to handle HOA neighbor disputes the right way. Hiring an HOA management company is one of the best ways to ensure a peaceful and happy community.
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Companies like Bay Property Management Group help keep an HOA community well-maintained and up-to-date with rules and regulations. If you’re looking for a well-rounded team to help with tasks like budget creation, property inspections, meeting coordination, and more, contact BMG today!
