Sometimes, the decision of the HOA does not please the community homeowners. Although they may find the outcome disappointing, it is civil. Unfortunately, homeowners may react aggressively or harass board members. If your HOA has made decisions that capture the attention of homeowners, the following tips from phoenix hoa management companies can help manage homeowners who behave badly.
Define What the Board Considers an Acceptable Behavior
The governing documents of your HOA may identify what the board and the entire community consider unacceptable behavior. Consider reviewing this at a community meeting.
Every homeowner in your community can complain about or disagree with board decisions. But, the association should not tolerate defamation, violence, threats of violence, insults, and obscenities.
Notify the Offender
To diffuse an uncomfortable community situation, have your HOA management team write a letter to the offender. Ensure the letter emphasizes major points such as the following:
- The offender’s harassment has interfered with a board members’ ability to effectively perform their role on the board.
- The offender violated certain government documents.
- There is a possibility of fees and legal action if the offender continues their behavior.
- How the offender can get their message across in a civil way.
Take Legal Action When Necessary
Often, a later from the HOA board is enough to get the attention of the offender and stop the harassment. But, if the board has enforced fines and the behavior persists, you should consult the legal advisor of the community. If letters don’t resolve the conflict, you can involve the police or get a civil restraining order in court.
Involve Other Homeowners
Getting members of the community involved can be uncomfortable; however, the board can benefit from community engagement. Some bullying homeowners may constantly become disruptive and refuse to follow the board member’s instruction. But, they may follow when other homeowners repeat this instruction to them. Often, bullies do not stand up to a crowd and embarrassment may tone down harassment.
Professional HOA managers can resolve conflicts within an HOA and deal with legal matters. They take care of harassment issues through mediation or by arranging court visits. Also, they can collect HOA dues, manage the association’s finances, and handle maintenance issues. They know that some board members may not have extensive experience with the tasks they have to perform. And this is the reason the board has to hire experts. If your board is considering hiring an HOA manager, ensure you bring an experienced one on board.
