If you own residential property in Palm Beach, it’s possible that you joined a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) as a condition of buying a home in your neighborhood. In the Palm Beach area, HOAs are often an essential part of residential life. In theory, HOAs are designed to protect the community’s good, and make sure residents abide by specific agreed-upon standards. However, in reality, homeowners and HOAs can get into disagreements that can escalate to the point of becoming serious and expensive. These problems can happen in any Florida HOA. This year, in fact, even South Florida resident and golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus found himself at odds with a former HOA president over a leadership change. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help manage your HOA dispute in Palm Beach.
HOAs in General
HOAs are mandatory organizations that have governing bodies comprised of volunteers elected from within the community. The primary function of the HOA is to enact and enforce covenants and restrictions that protect property values. The HOA can require residents to abide by specific rules and penalize those that fail to do so. The HOA will assess and collect fees that the homeowners are obligated to pay, which are supposed to cover certain community expenses.
Work with a Palm Beach Real Estate Attorney
The origin story of many HOA and owner conflicts often lie in the initial agreements between the parties. Homeowners should carefully read over any signed documents with an experienced Palm Beach real estate attorney in order to assess his or her obligations. In the event that the problem stems from the HOA acting improperly or illegally, your real estate attorney can evaluate the HOAs conduct and advise you regarding any culpability.
Another reason you want to work with local counsel regarding your HOA matter is that your attorney is likely to be familiar with the community and the HOA’s reputation. If the HOA leadership is known to be comprised of reasonable individuals, your counsel may be able to work towards a resolution that will help keep both of you out of court. Often, neither party wants to incur the expense of taking this kind of dispute to litigation.
At Rabideau Klein, Guy Rabideau, Esq. and David E. Klein, Esq. are Florida Board-Certified
Real Estate Attorneys with extensive experience with HOAs in the Palm Beach area. We have the expertise and local knowledge you need to evaluate and manage your Palm Beach HOA dispute. Contact Rabideau Klein today to discuss your HOA legal needs.