ByFile Pennsylvania Homeowners Association Complaints Today
Most homeowners associations in Pennsylvania have their own rules that they expect all residents to follow. But what if your HOA is violating its rules? Or maybe isn't doing anything you consider necessary? In this situation, homeowners can against their HOA with DoNotPay by filling out a form. This post will take you through simple steps to file your pleading in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania HOA Laws and Regulations
If you live in a community in Pennsylvania with a Homeowners Association, there are two things you should know. First, your association has the power to levy fines on homeowners, and second, that power is subject to limitations. That said, you have the right to when needed.
Pennsylvania is a state that allows homeowners to be a part of an HOA, which operates as an incorporated municipality. It means that the HOA has its municipal powers and responsibilities, which include making and enforcing local laws in their communities, providing local services and maintaining common areas.
With that right comes responsibility, and Pennsylvania HOAs, along with their members and officers, must follow the state's Pennsylvania HOAs Act. Likewise, the law sets forth rules and regulations that all HOAs must do to protect the homeowners.
What Can Your Pennsylvania HOA Fine You For?
Ensure you don't find yourself in these situations to avoid getting in trouble with your HOA:
1. Wrong Parking
Many HOAs have strict rules about where residents can and cannot park their cars. In some cases, parking in the front yard is prohibited altogether. If you're not sure where you're supposed to park, check your HOA's rules and regulations.
2. Failing to Pick Up After Your Pet
Pets are a part of the family, but they can also be a big pain for your HOA if you don't clean up after them. Be sure to scoop the poop and keep your furry friend under control to avoid any potential conflict with your neighbors.
3. Making Too Much Noise
From loud music to barking dogs, noise pollution is a common complaint among HOAs. If you want to avoid being the source of your neighbor's frustration, consider the noise you're making and try to keep it at a minimum.
4. Skipping HOA Meetings
Attending HOA meetings is often mandatory for residents, so you could violate your contract if you skip out on them. Whether you find them boring or don't have the time, attend at least some meetings so you can stay in good standing with your HOA.
5. Lack of Maintenance
One of the most common HOA violations is a lack of maintenance. It can include anything from unkempt landscaping to peeling paint or sagging gutters. Not only is this violating the HOA's rules, but it can also lower your home's value and make it harder to sell in the future.
6. Unapproved Home Improvements
Before making any changes or additions to the property, homeowners must submit a request to the HOA for approval.
7. Improper Waste Disposal
Be sure to dispose of all waste properly and in a timely manner
How to Handle the HOA Complaint in Pennsylvania
HOAs are common in Pennsylvania and are a voluntary association of homeowners. The first approach to take if you want to report your HOA is to find your HOA by checking the following:
- Your HOA documents.
- The deed or mortgage for the property.
- Your county tax records.
- Your county website.
Search for information about homeowner associations, their responsibilities, and how to file a complaint with them. If you can't find the output you need, contact the board in charge directly and ask them what they can do to help resolve your complaint.
In conjunction with the options mentioned above, you may file your complaint directly with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if you live in federally subsidized housing.
The HOA will investigate your claim and resolve any issues related to the common elements or other aspects of your community that negatively affect your quality of life. The HOA may seek additional evidence from interested parties before reaching a final decision on whether or not there is cause for action in response to your complaint.
File a Complaint Against Your HOA in Pennsylvania Using DoNotPay
Complaining about the neighborhood association in Pennsylvania can be tricky to wrap your head around if you're not familiar with the process. You may be complaining about excessive penalty for late fees or discrimination against renters. Whatever it is, if you're having problems with your HOA, here are four easy steps you can use to file a complaint using DoNotPay:
- Choose and describe the nature of your complaint (neighbors, maintenance, etc).
- Explain how this problem has negatively affected you and how you want the HOA to address the problem.
- Tell us how long you've been a member of this HOA.
- Confirm your home address so we can generate state-specific arguments on your behalf!
Filing a complaint with us is the best way to resolve an issue and get an important point across.
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
DoNotPay can also help you with the following:
- Neighbor complaints
- Filing a lawsuit
- Insurance claims
- Bill payments