What Happens if You Violate HOA Rules, or if You Can't Pay Your Dues?

A lot of communities in Lakewood and Long Beach have homeowners associations, which is a good thing for most owners in the community. The HOA’s goal is to preserve property values, so many people are glad to have their rules in place - especially when it’s time to sell. But what happens if you violate the HOA’s rules yourself, or worse, what if you can’t pay your dues?

Here’s what you need to know.

What Happens if You Violate HOA Rules?

If you violate your homeowners association’s rules, you can expect to be ordered to pay a fine - or at least live under the threat of one. When you move into a community with an HOA, you’ll sign a document that binds you to staying in line with the HOA’s CC&Rs, or covenants, conditions and restrictions. When you sign it, you’re also agreeing to being subject to fines for noncompliance.

When you get a fine, it’s often just a “fix-it” situation - sort-of like a ticket you get for a burned-out headlight on your car. If you can fix the issue, you can often get out of the fine. However, it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes your HOA will assess a fine and you absolutely have to pay it - if they’re not willing to work with you, you don’t have a choice. If you don’t pay up, the HOA could even evict you from your property.

What Happens if You Can’t Pay Your HOA Dues?

If you can’t pay your HOA dues, your safest bet is to talk with the association. See if you can work something out. (You should definitely talk to the board before you miss a payment.)

When people fall too far behind on paying HOA dues, the consequences can be the same as those for failure to pay fines: the HOA could evict you from your property.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Lakewood or Long Beach?

If you’re buying or selling a home in Lakewood or Long Beach, we can help. Call us at 562-882-1581 to find out how!