Every homeowners association is governed by various bylaws and regulations. These are in place to preserve the integrity and value of the neighborhood while providing structure and order. However, they are not set in stone and it may be necessary from time to time to reevaluate certain rules and perhaps change them. While some effort is required to make this happen, if a member has a valid point, it can be worth the time and energy involved.
When proposing a change to the rules, there are several things to keep in mind:
Do your research. Make sure you understand what the current rules and regulations allow or deny and why. There may be a sound reason why the rule is in place, so doing some research into it can help you decide if it is worth fighting. Also, not everything is within the HOA’s power, so determine whether the change you are seeking falls within their domain or is governed by another entity.
Be willing to negotiate. Compromise is a big part of life. Consider whether there are other options that you would be willing to look into if your proposal does not hold up as you planned. If you want the Board to be flexible, you must be flexible as well. Try to find a happy medium that benefits everyone involved.
Gather support. Often a majority vote is needed before a rule can be changed. Garner support by talking to other members and educating them about what your goal is and why it is important. In talking to others, they may bring up points or perspectives you hadn’t considered.
Follow proper procedure. Make sure you are going through the right channels and filling out the correct forms to propose a rule change. There are certain steps you must take, so talk to the Board, refer to HOA documents, and find out what the correct process is.
Get involved. If you want to be a part of creating meaningful change, get involved and volunteer to be part of the Board or on a committee. Make your voice, opinion, and ideas heard rather than sitting back and hoping someone else pipes up. Be an active participant.
Each state and HOA may differ, so if you’re serious about making changes, find out what procedures are in place where you live. If you have questions about your HOA, turn to Kuester Management Group for more information.