Community Association ConflictsX

Whenever you have a community of people, there are going to be conflicts from time to time.  Even in home owner associations (HOAs) – skirmishes may arise from residents who do not agree with the rules or bylaws or simply do not care to follow them.

The Community Association Institute (CAI) wants all association residents to understand the importance of the rules – as they are put into place to protect the residents and make the living conditions pleasant (e.g.: no loud parties or construction past a certain time).

Also, many of the bylaws are designed to keep the community attractive and desirable – curb appeal is a great way to increase the investment in your home if you ever go to sell it.

The CAI also stipulates that while the bylaws are important and residents should adhere to them, “…we advocate open, constructive and respectful dialogue and urge all parties to be reasonable, flexible and open to compromise when disagreements do arise.”

CAI recommends education and communication to help people understand the rules.  Having open forum meetings where residents can participate and learn how bylaws are created, well as distributing flyers and other forms of communication will help.  Newer residents often need education as well so ensuring they have the proper handbooks or leaflets is an important step to creating a harmonious community.

CAI also recommends that residents get involved in their associations.  “Whether a community is self-managed or able to hire professional management services, active homeowner involvement is essential,” notes CAI.  Rules and bylaws of the HOA are often created by the ones who live in the association and CAI urges open communication so residents can make the best decisions for all members of the community.  That said, while there will always be ordinances put into place by the city or state that all individuals must follow, the upshot is that change usually happens from within – so attending HOA meetings or running for the HOA governance committee (versus complaining to the neighbors) is highly recommended by CAI.

In order to help HOA boards make good decisions about their bylaws as well as to find resources to help resolve resident conflicts, CAI suggests that all HOA governance members (and residents in general) look at this website to obtain more guidance: http://www.caionline.org/info/help/Pages/ResourcesforHomeownersandBoardMembers.asp.

This web page offers a downloadable brochure that includes the following information:

• Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities
• Community Association Governance Guidelines
• Model Code of Ethics for Community Association Board Members