It is unusual in Arizona to move into a community that does not have an Home Owner Association (HOA). The owner of the property, whether living in the home or an investor who is renting or leasing the home, is responsible for the compliance of the HOA CCR's and Standards. In most communities, fines are levied for weeds, garbage containers left on the street or in view for days at a time, and illegal parking.

The biggest complaint received by HOA Boards is for allegedly sending out "bogus" fines for non-compliance of the items listed above. However, fines could be avoided if the owners took and interest in their rental property and educated the renters as to their responsibility and the standard that are in place.

So often the renters are short term and they don't care if weeds grow or where and how they park. When the owner resides out of town or out of state it would save them money by hiring a quality property management company to oversee the property to insure compliance.

The key to obtaining the services of a quality property management company would be one that does MORE than just collect rents. The company must provide services such as going by the property on a weekly basis and checking up on the renters to make sure the guideline is followed. They must be willing to discuss any inappropriate action with the renters and be WILLING to terminate the contract when necessary. I know in these economic times it is difficult to terminate a contract with a tenant that is paying the monthly rent. However, fines will continue to come to the owner and letters to the HOA Board requesting they be waived will turned down.

All residents of the community must follow the same guidelines and statements are signed by the owners at closing and copies of the CCR's are given so that there can be no misunderstanding, unless the owners do not read the documents. It is to there advantage to do so because, ignorance to the law is no defense. To avoid fines read and understand the documents and then insure communication with tenants to do the same. In the long run everyone wins if this is followed.