What are unenforceable HOA rules? Keep you out of court. Hush up litigation. Discriminate indiscriminately. Enter your home without cause or notice. String you out on the (clothes)line. Fine you for fun. Change rules on the fly. Demand you take down your dish.
Layering: Add depth and dimension to your arrangement by strategically placing taller large pots of tall plants at the back or center, medium-sized plants in the middle, and trailing or low-growing plants in small containers towards the front or edges.
Unfortunately, yes, an HOA can fine you for backyard rule violations if the rules are spelled out in the community's governing documents. HOAs often have rules about things like backyard maintenance, fencing, or even how you landscape. If you're breaking those rules, the HOA is within its rights to fine you.
The HOA can fine you, and can force a sale of your property. Yes, an HOA can control certain aspects of your backyard, such as demand approval of any landscaping changes that are visible, control the use and construction of out-buildings, fences, and noise restrictions.
Note that an HOA can take pictures of home exteriors for documentative purposes. In most cases, management (or whoever is responsible for following up on rules) can't enter your backyard, but the neighbor who spotted the violation may invite them onto their property so they can get photographic evidence.
HOAs possess the authority to levy fines against homeowners who violate community rules, including those pertaining to backyard modifications. Fines may escalate for repeated infractions or failure to comply with HOA directives.
The local law supersedes the rules and regulations of the HOA, meaning that HOAs must ensure they are operating under the law.
Many HOAs maintain a website where governing documents are posted. To find HOA rules and regulations online: Navigate to the HOA's official website. Look for sections labeled “Documents,” “Governing Documents,” or “Rules and Regulations.”
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.
The best way to strategize on short-term rental restrictions is to speak to a board member. At the same time, you can consult the CC&Rs' (Covenants, conditions, and restrictions) advice. Knowing the potential risks of getting around HOA's restrictions is important. And we highly recommend doing it the legal way.