If you live in an HOA community, you know how important it is to keep it looking nice. After all, who wants to pay to live in a neighborhood that looks junky? Keeping your community well-maintained starts with the common areas, like parks, sidewalks, swimming pools, or clubhouses. But who’s responsible for maintaining these areas? Today, we’re discussing who’s responsible and how to keep HOA common areas clean.
Contents of This Article:
- What Is an HOA Common Area?
- Who’s Responsible for Common Areas?
- How to Keep HOA Common Areas Clean
- Importance of Common Area Maintenance
- Maintain Your HOA With BMG
What Is an HOA Common Area?
Being a part of a homeowners’ association provides many benefits, like enjoying common areas. An HOA common area is any shared area in the community 
that the association owns and maintains. These areas are available for all residents and may include things such as.
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Swimming pools
- Sidewalks and walking paths
- Clubhouses
- Community landscaping
- Fitness centers
- Stairways
Philadelphia property management companies know how important it is to keep HOA common areas clean. After all, when taken care of properly, they can significantly enhance the value of homes within the HOA. However, if neglected or poorly maintained, they can quickly lower property values and turn prospective buyers away.
Who’s Responsible for Common Areas?
Generally, the HOA itself is responsible for maintaining common areas. But what does this mean? Depending on the community’s governing documents, such as the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), the responsibility can fall on the HOA Board, homeowners, or a property management company. Here’s an example of how responsibilities may be divided.
Need More Advice? contact us today!
- HOA Board- The Board is usually responsible for the upkeep of common areas. For instance, they ensure routine maintenance and repairs are taken care of, usually by hiring independent contractors or management companies.
- Homeowners– Homeowners generally aren’t directly responsible for maintaining common areas. However, they can do their part to pick up after themselves and report any maintenance needs. Additionally, their HOA fees are used to fund maintenance, repairs, and enhancements in these spaces.
- Property Management Companies- Many HOAs hire property management companies to handle day-to-day tasks like maintaining common areas.
How to Keep HOA Common Areas Clean
Whether it’s a property management company or the HOA board responsible for keeping common areas clean, there are several things they can do. From cleaning up after a storm to pressure washing regularly, here are some things your HOA can do to ensure the neighborhood looks its best.
- Regular Pressure Washing
- Implement Trash Solutions
- Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance
- Install Pet Waste Solutions
- Seasonal Maintenance
Regular Pressure Washing
Over time, sidewalks, parking lots, and building exteriors can collect grime and dirt. Pressure washing is a simple solution for significantly improving the appearance of outdoor spaces. Luckily, many companies offer pressure washing services at a reasonable price.
Implement Trash Solutions
Nobody likes seeing trash littered on the ground. However, if there are no trash cans in common areas, the chances of people leaving their trash behind are higher. Having clearly marked trash bins is crucial for keeping your HOA common areas clean. Ensure the bins are emptied regularly, and label them so residents know where to put trash and recyclables.
Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance
Landscaping and lawn maintenance is the key to keeping common areas looking their best. Mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and removing weeds or dead plants is a great start. Many HOA communities take their efforts a step further by adding seasonal flowers or trees for a more vibrant and welcoming effect.
Install Pet Waste Solutions
In communities with pet owners, it’s important to address pet waste and set rules on how to clean it up. For instance, you can keep your HOA common areas clean by installing pet waste stations with bags and garbage bins. Additionally, signs should be posted in common areas reminding members to clean up after their pets.
Seasonal Maintenance
Preparing common areas for each season is crucial for keeping the community clean and well-maintained. For instance, raking leaves in the fall, removing snow or ice in the winter, mowing the lawn, and maintaining the pool during the summer are all necessary for a top-notch neighborhood.
Importance of Common Area Maintenance
Importance of Common Area MaintenanceKeeping HOA common areas clean is important for several reasons. For example, it helps maintain curb appeal and can even increase property values. After all, prospective homebuyers are more likely to buy a property in a neighborhood that’s clean and well-maintained.
Additionally, a cleaner community is a safer community. Unkempt sidewalks or fallen branches can cause trips or falls, so it’s important to ensure these areas are clean and free of debris.
Staying on top of cleaning and maintenance can also prevent pest infestations. After all, unclean common areas can attract pests like rodents, insects, and other unwanted wildlife, making the area unsanitary.
Finally, regular cleaning and upkeep can prevent more significant, costly repairs in the future. For instance, pressure washing sidewalks prevent the buildup of dirt, which could eventually cause surface damage and require more significant replacements.
Ultimately, prioritizing cleanliness and staying on top of maintenance creates a healthier, more inviting, and safer HOA community.
Maintain Your HOA With BMG
If you’re part of a homeowners association, you know that it’s important to keep HOA common areas clean all year round. It starts with knowing your responsibilities and sticking with them every day. Whether you’re a resident, board member, or HOA property manager, your part matters in keeping the community well-maintained.
Need More Advice? contact us today!
Need help keeping up with cleaning and maintenance? Perhaps it’s time to hire an HOA management team. Bay Property Management Group can help with all the essential tasks, whether it’s creating an annual budget, performing inspections, or completing maintenance tasks. Contact us today to learn more about our HOA management services in Philadelphia.
