Board Members and Management have a responsibility to the Association; however, Homeowners have responsibilities as well. It takes a village to enhance and maintain what may be yours and your neighbor's biggest asset. Homeowner responsibilities to the Association are as follows:

1. Payment of Assessments: Homeowners are required to pay regular assessments or dues to the HOA in accordance to the association’s governing documents, specifically, state law, CC&Rs and collection policy. These fees are used to cover the maintenance and operation of common areas, amenities, and services within the community. See the association’s collection policy for more detailed information.
   
   

2. Adherence to CC&Rs and Rules: Homeowners must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth in the CC&Rs and any additional rules adopted by the HOA. This includes compliance with architectural guidelines, landscaping requirements, noise restrictions, and other community-specific rules.
   
   

3. Participation and Voting: Homeowners are encouraged to participate in HOA meetings, including the annual meeting. There, they can exercise their right to vote on important matters, such as the election of board members and changes to governing documents.
   
   

4. Maintenance of Individual Properties: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their individual properties in accordance with the CC&Rs and any architectural or landscaping guidelines. This may include maintaining the exterior of the home, the landscaping, and any other property elements.
   
   

5. Payment of Special Assessments: In addition to regular assessments, homeowners may be required to pay special assessments for unexpected expenses or major community improvements. These assessments are typically approved by a vote of the board and ratified by the homeowners. In some cases, the confirmation of ratification requires a ballot.
   
   

6. Reporting Violations: Homeowners are often encouraged to report any violations of the CC&Rs or rules to the HOA for enforcement. This helps maintain a harmonious living environment within the community.
   
   

7. Participation in Committees: Some HOAs have committees dedicated to specific tasks, such as social events. Homeowners can volunteer to serve on a committee to contribute to the betterment of the community.
   
   

8. Compliance with Architectural Guidelines: If homeowners wish to make exterior modifications or improvements to their properties, they must typically submit requests to the architectural review committee and obtain approval before proceeding. There are some “limited” association’s that may no longer require architectural approval however, it’s still recommended to follow the architectural guidelines and obtain required permits for the betterment and safety of you and the community.
   

9. Respect for Neighbors: Homeowners are expected to be considerate of their neighbors and adhere to community rules regarding noise, parking, and other behavior that may affect the peaceful enjoyment of the community. There are anti-bullying and harassment laws that may be enforced regarding neighbors, board members and management.
   
   

10. Communication: Homeowners should stay informed about community matters by attending meetings, reading HOA communications, and engaging in constructive communication with the HOA board and fellow homeowners. The most frequent misconceptions are due to the owner not staying informed of their association’s communications.

It's important for homeowners to review and understand their specific HOA's governing documents to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations within the community. Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in fines, penalties, or other enforcement actions by the HOA.