Be concise and make your purpose/request clear. You can add a friendly greeting at the beginning, but there is no need to provide paragraphs of background information or personal opinions. Offer a solution, if possible. Complete the letter or email with a suggestion on how the board can take action.
The number is usually five. Very small associations sometimes call for three directors, and very large associations may have seven or more.
Unfortunately, there's really no way of getting out of paying HOA dues short of leaving the association itself. In addition to monetary fines, the HOA can impose other consequences (provided state laws and the governing documents permit it) when homeowners stop paying their dues.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for breach of contract (such as violating your HOA covenants) is five years. The time period within which the HOA could enforce the covenant has expired, at least as it pertains to those patios that were built more than five years ago.
In some states, such as California, HOA bylaws are considered public record and must be made available upon request. In other states, such as Virginia, HOA bylaws are not considered public record and therefore are not required to be made publicly available.
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.
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.”
"Public records" are defined as "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."
California Secretary of State Filings This process legalizes the HOA and creates a public record of its existence. The filings include not only the Articles of Incorporation but can also encompass records of financial statements and any potential dissolution of the HOA.
Homeowners can secure their HOA statement of account through their board or manager. More often than not, though, the board treasurer provides this to homeowners on a regular basis. Additionally, if an HOA has a homeowner portal, members can log into their accounts and view their statement.