Community Or Confinement? 10 Reasons Everyone Hates HOAs & 10 Reasons People Enjoy Them
Community Or Confinement? 10 Reasons Everyone Hates HOAs & 10 Reasons People Enjoy Them
Everything You Need To Know—Including the Good Stuff
We’ve all heard HOA horror stories, but we doubt you’ve heard the reasons people appreciate them. While not every association is built the same, it’s worth learning about the pros and cons before you make any final decisions!
1. Mandatory Fees
Just about every homeowner’s association comes with mandatory fees—and they can vary wildly across the board. While some communities only shell out a hundred dollars, others can see prices well into the thousands.
2. Pet Restrictions
As if finding an apartment wasn’t bad enough, some HOAs have strict pet regulations policing what breed you can own, what size they can be, and how much noise they can make. At the very least it can feel discriminatory and at most, it can keep certain families from the community.
3. Strict Rule Enforcement
We’ve all seen HOA horror stories in the news or online, and they’re hardly one-time events. Many communities have dealt with passive-aggressive emails. Others have experienced people on power trips. It’s hard to know what your day will look like under an HOA’s heel.
4. Plant Policing
Believe it or not, some HOAs get the final say on what you can and cannot plant in the front yard. While some associations don’t mind what you do, others can slap community members with hefty fees for not planting certain items by certain dates—or for planting greenery that’s “against the rules.”
5. Housing Inequality
Some people argue that HOAs work tirelessly to maintain the look and feel of a neighborhood. While that’s true in some cases, it can also lead to housing inequality. Between expensive fees, strict rules, and policing certain activities, it’s hard to say who’s exactly welcome in some neighborhoods.
6. Passive-Aggressive Behavior
Society has moved away from calling people “Karens,” but they’re still present in HOAs. Community members are often subjected to nasty emails or unsolicited home visits that target just about anything. It’s hard to feel relaxed in your own home when you never know who will get offended over arbitrary aesthetics.
7. No Rental Potential
Some HOAs crack down on who can rent their property. This means any family looking for extra income can’t sublet their space or turn it into an Airbnb. While it’s not a big deal for some, others can take that blow pretty hard—especially since it’s their home.
8. Harsh Parking Rules
Before you move into that dream home, make sure you check HOA guidelines. Some associations have specific parking hours. Others don’t let you park recreational vehicles. And some might get upset over where you park. Break the rules and you could see a serious fine.
9. Stressful Environment
Passive-aggressive emails, constant reminders, and nonsensical rules hardly make your house a home. It’s difficult to relax knowing that you’re under the constant threat of breaking rules. It’s even worse when you pay an arm and a leg in fees. For some families, it’s just not worth it.
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10. Foreclosure Risks
Depending on where you live, HOAs have the power to foreclose your house. Homeowners who fall behind on fees, fail assessments, or consistently break guidelines could get slapped with a lien.
However, not everyone hates HOAs—some homeowners believe they offer more to a community than people think. Let’s dive into some of the pros.
1. Higher Property Value
Like it or not, HOAs work hard to maintain picture-perfect real estate. Pristine lawns and stunning homes retain a high property value, which means money in your pocket when it comes time to sell.
2. They’re Good Mediators
Though people often point fingers at HOAs, they don’t always cause trouble. In fact, they’re the perfect mediator between you and difficult neighbors. They have strict rules in place for dispute resolution and can help you get to the bottom of a problem.
3. Less Responsibility
Those fees can feel like a sore spot but they also go toward maintenance—maintenance you don’t have to worry about. Homeowners are treated to snow removal, landscaping, trash pickup, and road repair (among other things).
4. More Amenities Available
HOAs have access to awesome amenities like parks, fitness centers, and community spaces. Associations not only work to keep them clean, but they also provide options you might not find close by.
5. Neighborhood Safety
Some people frown on gated communities, but those restrictions are a big selling point for homeowners. Depending on where you live, you’ll have protected amenities, onsite guards, and houseguest rules that help keep everything in order.
6. Sense of Community
Despite what you may think, HOAs often host all kinds of social events! BBQs, holiday parties, and regular meetings all build a stronger sense of community, and many homeowners appreciate such a friendly neighborhood.
7. Rule Enforcement
Don’t get us wrong—rule enforcement isn’t always a good thing. However, we’re not talking about power trips. For regular HOAs, their job is simply to ensure everyone follows community guidelines. They’ll keep you safe, they’ll settle disputes, and they’ll listen to any feedback.
8. Noise Restrictions
As much as we love a good party, we also enjoy a little peace and quiet. HOAs do too, which is why they usually have noise restrictions in place past certain hours. It can feel like a buzzkill to some, but others greatly appreciate a serene evening.
9. Everything is Well-Kept
Homeowners respect a well-kept neighborhood. While some people prefer their freedom, others are perfectly happy to live in uniformity. Even if the rules seem a little out there, it’s hard to argue the overall appeal.
10. They’re Not All What They Seem
We only hear the negatives about HOAs—but they’re not all built the same. While some can be total nightmares, others pride themselves on building a friendly community with accessible amenities and flawless curb appeal. Those with helpful HOAs often speak highly about the camaraderie.
