Have you just recently purchased a unit in a condo association? Congratulations! You will love the ease of living, the amenities, and the value! Now that you are in your own unit, you will need to acclimate to this unique living environment. Here are some tips on living in a condo community.
Read the Governing Documents
Even before you sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S) for your unit, you should read the governing documents of your homeowners association (HOA). These documents will tell you what the rules, policies, and procedures are for your community. The docs will give you a good idea of what your community living will be like. They will also give you more information about who to contact on the HOA board should an issue arise within your condo, in a common area, or with one of your neighbors.
Attend HOA Meetings
Not all homeowners associations have monthly meetings, but there is usually at least an annual meeting to discuss major repairs, issues, budget, and elections of the executive board. Be sure to attend the annual meetings, if not other meetings as well. These meetings, while not all that exciting, will give you a say in what rules, improvements, repairs, and overall budgeting will be like.
Meet Your Neighbors
Make every effort to introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors. Condo living is community living, so it is crucial to nurture friendly relations with the people in your condo section. Some communities have mixers, potlucks, or community events that will help with breaking the ice.
Get All Community Access Codes or Keys
One of the best parts of living in a condo community is the access to amenities that you otherwise would not be able to afford. For example, many condo communities have a pool, fitness room, entertaining areas both indoor and out, fire pits, tennis courts, and walking paths. When you initially move in, be sure you have the keys or access codes that will allow for your use of these areas. Don’t forget to find out if there are specific hours of operation for these areas or rules that you should be aware of.
One of the easiest ways to get in on the happenings of your community is to opt in for community emails or newsletters. This may be the best way to stay on top of events, community outings, and improvements that may be occurring in your area.
Follow Common HOA Rules
While these rules can differ from one HOA community to the next, there are usually some fairly common rules to be aware of.
Landscaping Rules
Most HOAs want a community to have a certain uniform appearance from one unit to the next. There are usually rules about the landscaping that is, (and isn’t) allowed around your unit. For instance, there may be restrictions on how many plants you can have at your front door, or any seasonal decor you may be allowed to have displayed outside your front entryway.
Parking & Vehicle Rules
If you own a boat, or RV, or use a work vehicle, you may be required to park it in a different lot or not on the property at all. Remember to consult your bylaws before you buy to avoid not being able to park your work vehicle in the community lot.
Pet Mandates
If your community does allow dogs or other pets, there may be rules that require the pets to be a certain size or breed. Again, check with your local HOA about how this could impact your fur-friend and your living arrangements.
In addition to requirements about the type and size of pets allowed, most HOAs have noise and nuisance rules about where pets are allowed on the property as well as rules about picking up pet waste, leashing, or even rules regarding fencing in your yard, if you have one.
Decoration Guidelines
Some HOAs allow decorations during a few weeks a year while others have limits on the amount and placement of decorations. Still, others require that all decorations be kept inside each unit.
Understand Condo Living Etiquette
If your condo association includes common areas and amenities like a pool, fitness room, game room, tennis courts, or entertainment room, there are specific etiquette rules you need to follow. Residents should always clean up after themselves, be mindful of noise, and be able to share rooms equally with other residents. It’s important to read up on your community’s rules about liquor consumption and catering.
Do you need help adjusting to your condo community? Contact us for more information.